Product Description \
In a modern mega-city built around dragons, one boy gets caught up in the world of underground dragon battles and a high-stakes gang war that could tear his family apart.\
Once, dragons nearly drove themselves to extinction. But in the city of Drakopolis, humans domesticated them centuries ago. Now dragons haul the city’s cargo, taxi its bustling people between skyscrapers, and advertise its wares in bright, neon displays. Most famously of all, the dragons battle. Different breeds take to the skies in nighttime bouts between the infamous kins―criminal gangs who rule through violence and intimidation.
Abel has always loved dragons, but after a disastrous showing in his dragon rider’s exam, he's destined never to fly one himself. All that changes the night his sister appears at his window, entrusting him with a secret...and a stolen dragon.
Turns out, his big sister is a dragon thief! Too bad his older brother is a rising star in Drakopolis law enforcement...
To protect his friends and his family, Abel must partner with the stolen beast, riding in kin battles and keeping more secrets than a dragon has scales.
When everyone wants him fighting on their side, can Abel figure out what's worth fighting for?\
From School Library Journal
Gr 4–7—Drakopolis, a sprawling city in the sky, is home to humans and the dragons they keep. From the diminutive Educational Resource Dragons used for training to the huge Red-Bearded Long-Wing bus-toting dragon, dragons are part of everyday life. As are the kins, the gangs of rival dragon riders in the city who run entire neighborhoods. Abel has spent most of his life avoiding the kins, until he discovers a stolen dragon that his sister has left behind. And that's only the beginning as Abel is forced to confront the truth that his best friend Rao (they/them), his favorite teacher, and his sister are all kinners. To complicate matters, they are not all in the same kin; all of them are squarely on the opposite side of Abel's brother, an enforcer of the law with the Dragon's Eye (the police); and no one seems to be on the side of the dragons with Abel. The climatic kin battle at the end will have readers in suspense as Abel fights for the future of his dragon. This title is well paced and thoughtfully written. Most of the characters are white, or presumed white, and Abel's father is portrayed as living with a chronic illness. VERDICT Rich world-building, a complex main character, and plenty of suspense make this a solid purchase where action-packed fantasy is popular.—Jessica Caron, Bancroft Sch., MA
Review \
Praise for City of Thieves
"This series starter’s straightforward language, intriguing worldbuilding, and thoughtful, gutsy protagonist make it widely appealing." ―Kirkus Reviews
"Battle Dragons is the riproaring opener to a surefire hit series. Alex London has envisioned a world as enthralling as it is dangerous―a society much like our own if it was built on the backs of giant fire-breathing dragons. Readers are sure to burn through the pages as they follow Abel through the shadowy underbelly of Drakopolis, dodging dragon-rider street gangs and a ruthless secret police to save his family. Abel is an endearing and relatable hero struggling under expectations as the youngest of three siblings, and his journey in building self-confidence is sure to ring true with young readers. Above all, cutting through the action is a moving tale of friendship and family, which is at the heart of this thrilling fantasy." ―Soman Chainani, author of The School for Good and Evil series\
"A rip-roaring loop-de-loop of action and adventure, Battle Dragons will keep readers at the edge of their seat as they cheer on Abel and his friends." ―Kwame Mbalia, author of the Tristan Strong series\
"Battle Dragons is the riproaring opener to a surefire hit series. Alex London has envisioned a world as enthralling as it is dangerous―a society much like our own if it was built

Categories:

• Children's Books
  
  
  • Science Fiction & Fantasy
    • Spine-Chilling Horror