Legends of the Sky by Liz Flanagan (review)

Born into an island country deeply divided by culture and class, twelve-year-old Milla clings to the safety and simplicity of her life as a well-loved servant in a wealthy household. When she discovers four smuggled dragon eggs, however, she allows herself to be placed under guard in the palace to keep the eggs safe. Then the newly hatched dragons bond unexpectedly with Milla and three other young people, angering the island's ruler and setting off a series of events that draw Milla and her new friends into a complex world of ancient legends, court intrigue, and looming revolution. This high-flying tale builds on the strong tradition of young dragon riders to offer an adventure that is simultaneously familiar and surprising. Dragon training, swordplay, and slightly gory battle scenes keep the plot moving at a steady pace, while the piecemeal revelation of the island's backstory and Milla's emotional journey add layers of depth and suspense. Embedded discussions of privilege and immigration, meanwhile, give the novel a fresh feel and contemporary relevance. This is an excellent what's-next for fans of classic fantasy series like McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern or more contemporary fare like Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon.