Contents
Introduction
- ISIN: 978-1940014715
- Genre: Children / Young Adult / Fantasy Fiction
- Publishers: Wise Ink Creative Publishing
- Price: Rs. 349 /- (I got this book from the b00k r3vi3w for a review)
16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.
Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms—including killing anyone who stands in her way.
Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.
With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.
About the author
Farah Oomerbhoy is a young adult writer with a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Mumbai. Farah loves the fantastical and magical and often dreams of living in Narnia, Neverland, or the Enchanted Forest. Her debut novel, The Last of the Firedrakes, Book 1 of The Avalonia Chronicles started on Wattpad where it received a Watty Award in 2015 and over 1.5 million reads. Since publication, The Last of the Firedrakes has gone on to win a silver medal in IBPA’s Benjamin Franklin Awards, become a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards and become an international bestseller. Farah lives with her family in Mumbai, India where she can be found checking for magical portals in every closet.
Me thinks
Okay an honest confession before I get on with the review : I really wanted to read it because many reviews compared it to Harry Potter. Having loved and lived the HP series for so long it really was tempting to read this one. And I finally decided to grab it.
To say I was not disappointed should not mean yes it is like Harry Potter. It all probabilities it is not. Yes it is based in a school of magic and is the story of a young person who suddenly wakes up to the fact that she has magical powers. And that is where the similarities end. The story line is brilliant and engrossing till the last word. In a lot of ways it doesn’t look like a debut novel. It has finesse, detailing and lot of layers which make it a very exciting read. A lot of debut authors lack this skill and for this the author deserves a hats off. She has brilliantly maneuvered the plot to a point from where the reader is left asking for more. My 17 year old cousin finished this book in a day and was screaming to know when is the next part out. THAT is the power of this story.
I also liked the fact that the lead character isn’t shown as someone who is flawless and perfect. Rather she is shown as someone who is proud to flaunt her flaws and learns to deal with them. That is what makes her so endearing and relatable.
“The Last of the Firedrakes” (The Avalonia Chronicles #1) by Farah Oomerbhoy is the first book in a captivating young adult fantasy series that blends magic, adventure, and coming-of-age themes. This novel introduces readers to a magical world filled with dragons, mysterious creatures, and hidden powers, set in an alternate realm called Avalonia.
About the Author:
Farah Oomerbhoy is an author known for her contributions to fantasy and young adult fiction. Her writing combines elements of traditional fantasy with modern sensibilities, offering readers an immersive world of adventure, magic, and romance. “The Last of the Firedrakes” is her debut novel and the first in The Avalonia Chronicles series. Oomerbhoy’s love for fantasy, myth, and the supernatural shines through in her storytelling.
Overview of the Book:
“The Last of the Firedrakes” follows the journey of Aurora (Rora) Darlington, a teenage girl living in an ordinary world, who discovers that she is destined for something extraordinary. Aurora’s life is turned upside down when she learns of her true heritage and is thrust into a magical world where Avalonia, a secretive kingdom, exists parallel to the world she knows.
The story begins with Rora living in England, unaware of her powers and the significance of her ancestry. After her mother’s mysterious death, Rora is forced to leave her life behind and move to the magical realm of Avalonia. There, she uncovers the hidden truths about her identity as the last of the Firedrakes, a long-lost race of dragon-wielders. She learns that her powers could either save or destroy the world of Avalonia.
With the help of allies like Finn, a charismatic boy with mysterious ties to the Avalonian kingdom, Rora embarks on a journey to master her powers, uncover the dark forces threatening Avalonia, and confront the secrets of her lineage. Along the way, she grapples with questions of loyalty, destiny, and the responsibilities of power, as well as her growing feelings for Finn, which complicate her mission.
Key Themes:
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Self-Discovery and Identity:
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A central theme in the novel is self-discovery. Rora must come to terms with her true identity as a Firedrake and the immense powers she holds. This theme resonates with readers, particularly young adults, as they navigate their own paths in the world.
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Rora’s journey is about realizing her strengths and weaknesses, and understanding that the choices she makes can shape her destiny.
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Magic and Fantasy:
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The world of Avalonia is rich with magic, dragons, mystical creatures, and ancient legends. The book draws readers into a fantastical universe where magic is a natural part of the world. The introduction of Firedrakes, a race of dragon-wielders, adds an exciting element of high fantasy.
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Coming-of-Age:
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As a young adult novel, “The Last of the Firedrakes” explores themes of growth, maturity, and responsibility. Rora is not only discovering her magical powers but also learning what it means to be a leader, a protector, and someone who can make difficult decisions for the greater good.
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Romance and Relationships:
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A romantic subplot develops between Rora and Finn, who is part of the magical world and has his own role in her journey. The romance is intricately woven into the storyline, contributing to Rora’s emotional growth as she navigates the dangers around her.
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Good vs. Evil:
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The book also touches on the classic theme of good vs. evil. As Rora discovers the hidden forces at play in Avalonia, she must fight against dark forces that threaten not only her life but the entire world. Themes of betrayal, trust, and the battle between light and dark are explored throughout the novel.
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Writing Style:
Farah Oomerbhoy’s writing is engaging, with a descriptive style that pulls readers into the fantastical world of Avalonia. Her storytelling is fast-paced and filled with vivid descriptions of magical landscapes and characters. The novel also includes mystery and intrigue, keeping readers hooked as they follow Rora’s journey of self-discovery and adventure.
Oomerbhoy balances the action, romance, and emotional depth of the story, creating a well-rounded narrative. The pacing allows for moments of reflection while also keeping the plot moving forward with suspense and excitement.
Reception:
“The Last of the Firedrakes” has been positively received by fans of fantasy and young adult fiction. The book has been praised for its strong female protagonist, its well-crafted magical world, and its intriguing plot. Readers enjoy the blend of classic fantasy elements with a fresh perspective and are drawn to the emotional depth of the story.
The book has also been appreciated for introducing readers to a world filled with unique magical creatures, the Firedrakes, and the mystery surrounding Rora’s lineage.
Conclusion:
“The Last of the Firedrakes” by Farah Oomerbhoy is an exciting start to The Avalonia Chronicles, offering readers a captivating adventure into a magical world filled with dragons, romance, and self-discovery. It’s a must-read for fans of fantasy and coming-of-age stories who enjoy rich world-building, emotional depth, and a strong heroine. The book sets the stage for further exploration of Avalonia, making readers eager to continue the journey in the next books of the series.