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Animal lovers and pet psychics especially, will read this again and again. A powerful novel about dragons, trainers, and the lives of both.

Synopsis

When an overwhelming urge leads thirteen-year-old Jackson to Tivet, an abused dragonet, something magical happens between them that neither expected.

More than malnourished and underdeveloped, the dragonet is unlike any other the racing community has ever seen. The differences become undeniable as Tivet blossoms under Jackson's care, and their unusual connection strengthens.

But as the unlikely duo explores their growing bond, corrupt forces are gaining a foothold within their small Irish racing community.

From the moment I saw racing, I wanted to think about horses. But the synopsis was clear. It was to be about dragons. Well I have learnt a great deal about dragons!! Shelley Lee Riley loves detail as she has the reader caught up in a different world, a world where dragons and humans communicate. “Knowing each individual, their traits, and mannerisms was important to a trainer. Each species had obvious variations in its physical appearance. These physical differences made recognition easy, as easy as a dragon was a dragon, as a dog a dog, and a cat a cat. But it was the mannerisms that made the difference”.


This is an awesome book for readers from middle school and beyond. Shelley Lee Riley uses language that tells the English language reader exactly what is going on. She has a well crafted story which keeps you engrossed and hoping for a beautiful ending. The characters are real; they live in a real country, Ireland and behave like real animal racers do. So whether you like it or not, it’s happening..  


The description of Tivet and the relationship with Jackson was special. For me that was the warmth in the story but there was much more. In real life, I have learnt that animals do talk with each other. They do talk with us also. So like Jackson, spending that special time with Tivet and Nocturne really paid off.

 

You could see them flying from Belfast to Dover and beyond and the author make us see it from the perspective of the dragon. Full of empathy and understanding, other issues are nicely introduced into the story, like skin colour, belonging, class distinctions and extreme behaviours.


It all comes together with a special message finally. Even if you didn’t believe in dragons when you began, maybe you might think about your pet dog or rabbit or whatever, with a little more feeling. (smile). 

Reviewed by

Dr Eleanor Wint, well-known author & retired professor of Social Work. Living in Canada, she has published 5 books focusing on self -confidence in parents and children. Dr Wint writes from knowledge developed over years of working with children and families in different cultures across the world.

Synopsis

When an overwhelming urge leads thirteen-year-old Jackson to Tivet, an abused dragonet, something magical happens between them that neither expected.

More than malnourished and underdeveloped, the dragonet is unlike any other the racing community has ever seen. The differences become undeniable as Tivet blossoms under Jackson's care, and their unusual connection strengthens.

But as the unlikely duo explores their growing bond, corrupt forces are gaining a foothold within their small Irish racing community.

Chapter One

Jackson turned the volume down for the third time only to have his brother flick it back up.

“What’s got into you?”

“I thought I heard something.” Jackson turned the radio off. Using a pair of vice grips, he rolled down the truck’s rickety window. “Can’t you hear it?”

“Nope.” Robby braked on a sharp turn made slick after a recent rain shower. “Look at that.” His voice was breathy with wonder. “We’ve found the end of the rainbow.”

A kaleidoscope of colors sparkled under the Irish sun, turning the windshield into a giant prism, nearly blinding in its intensity. Jackson’s eyes widened in wonder.

“I guess it’s our lucky day.” Robby laughed. “But where’s the pot of gold?”

Jackson didn’t answer. Suddenly doubled over, he clutched his chest. Pain, grinding in its intensity, stole his breath.




Robby eased the truck off the road and leaned over to grip his younger brother’s shoulder. “What’s wrong, Jack?” The bones beneath Robby’s fingers felt far too fragile. Jackson may have been thirteen, but he resembled a weedy ten-year-old.

“Talk to me,” Robby said, trying to get a better look at the smaller boy’s face. The warm spattering of freckles that dotted his cheeks stood in stark relief as Jackson’s normal color continued to wash away. Robby’s gut twisted with concern.

Drawing in a shuddery breath, Jackson sat up. “It’s gone.”

“Gone?” Robby straightened. “What do you mean, it’s gone? You looked like you were going to puke your guts out.”

“Yeah, well, it wasn’t sick I was feeling.”

“Just gas, then, huh?” Robby tweaked Jackson’s nose, relieved but not wholly mollified.

“Shut up.” Jackson batted his brother’s hand away.

Settling back behind the wheel, Robby eyeballed a colorful encampment up ahead. “Well, look there, the Travellers are back in town. That’ll put a burr up the village council’s backsides.”




Jackson looked where Robby pointed. Several brightly-colored caravans, both new and old, filled the wide spot along the verge. From experience, Jackson knew that a small brook ran through the spinney that bordered the clearing, which was why the Travellers chose the site whenever they were in the area.

When he and his mum had come into town the week prior, the space had been empty. And yet, even over such a short period, it had become cluttered. Old propane tanks, wooden crates, discarded clothing, and a rusted-out washing machine were among the many things piled off to one side.

“Why do they transport that stuff only to throw it away? It makes no sense,” Robby mused.

A flicker of motion caught Jackson’s attention. He leaned forward in his seat as a gaggle of children burst from the woods, screaming in delight as they chased each other with wooden swords. Sporting flowered aprons tied around their necks, their make-believe capes billowed as they scampered about waving their weapons.

Jackson felt a pang of longing. They looked like they were having fun. Dragon farms tended to be rural. And since his three brothers had yet to marry, there weren’t any other kids for him to play with.

“Are you all right then, boyo?” Robby playfully tugged at one of Jackson’s coppery curls. “Do we need to head home? Or can you hang on long enough to pick up the dragon feed at the abattoir? You know they don’t like to hold the big orders overnight.”

“No, I’m fine. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Can you describe what it felt like?” Glancing over his shoulder, Robby pulled the truck back onto the blacktop. They didn’t have far to go.

“I thought I heard something, but it wasn’t like words. More like a feeling.”

“What kind of feeling?”

“Desperation.” Jackson rubbed his breastbone. “I couldn’t breathe.”

“Dang, that’s harsh. You sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I am.”

Ten minutes later, Robby signaled before pulling into the customer pick-up line at C & J Meat Packing, where three other trucks already waited.

“It looks like it’ll be a while.” Robby shut off the motor.

Most dragon trainers had their feed delivered, but a few, like McLoughlin Racing Stables, still preferred to pick up their orders.

“Guarantees it’s fresh and right off the line.” The brothers laughed as they simultaneously recited their da’s favorite dictum. It wasn’t like they went inside to retrieve the meat. It rolled out to the loading dock on a conveyor belt. Who knew how long it sat there before it finally ended up in the bed of their truck?

“Since we’re going to be here for a while, would you be okay with going to the mercantile by yourself?”

“Yeah.” Jackson opened the door.

“Wait. Have you got enough dosh?” Robby smiled, reaching for his wallet. “New boots don’t come cheap.”

“Mum gave me what she said I would need. ‘And not a pingin’ more.’” Jackson shook his finger at his brother, mimicking their mother.

Robby laughed at his brother’s impersonation. “Still, you sure you don’t want another ten quid, kiddo?”

“Nah.” They both knew they couldn’t afford the fifty pounds Jackson had tucked in the pocket of his jeans. But he’d been wrapping duct tape over the ever-widening holes in the soles of his boots for some time. Dragon urine was pretty caustic stuff.

“I’m going to stop by the Oxfam store first. You never know. I might find something that fits for a third of the price. Then I won’t have to buy new ones. If I get really lucky, they might have a set of Wellies without big cracks in the rubber.”

“If you didn’t wade around in the slurry pit, your boots would last longer.”

“Oh yeah? And who would be emptying the pits if I didn’t do it, Robby? You?” Jackson snorted as he slipped out of the cab and, with a big grin, flashed a rude gesture at his older brother.


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About the author

Shelley Lee Riley is the International award-winning author of Casual Lies—A Triple Crown Adventure. The memoir tells her personal story about Casual Lies; she trained through all three American Triple Crown Races—the first woman to do so. view profile

Published on April 05, 2024

60000 words

Genre:Middle Grade Fantasy

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