Alliana, Girl of Dragons

June 1, 2022
A girl forced into a life of servitude befriends a dragon and a witch as she chases her dreams and freedom. Eleven-year-old Alliana longs to leave Narashino, a small town at the edge of a dangerous abyss where her father died while seeking gold. She daydreams about attending the Royal Academy and yearns to escape her horrible stepfamily and endless chores. Alliana finds solace with Grandmother Mari, who tells her Japanese folktales and stories about Queen Natsumi. When Grandmother Mari passes away, Alliana is left with memories, hopes, and a ledger full of debt to her stepmother. One night, as she is grieving in the meadow near the abyss, she rescues a young nightdragon whom she names Kabo. Later she meets Nela Evergreen, an apprentice witch who needs her help. Taking a chance, Alliana risks everything for a taste of freedom and friendship, joining Nela on her adventures and accompanied by Kabo. This page-turning retelling of "Cinderella" is set in a world that seamlessly incorporates many Japanese cultural elements. Exploring themes like courage, friendships, chosen family, and changing one's future, the story also touches on classism and greed. The novel, set in the same universe as Abe's Eva Evergreen series, is accessible to new readers; returning fans will discover more of this world's history, culture, and creatures while reuniting with some familiar characters at younger ages. Charming, atmospheric spot art opens each chapter. A thrilling take on "Cinderella" with magic and dragons. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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July 1, 2022
Grades 4-7 Alliana's father has died, leaving her in the care of her reluctant stepmother, who forces Alliana to cook and clean for the family, including two detestable stepsiblings, and keep their dilapidated inn from collapsing around them. Only Grandmother Mari is kind, reciting folktales for Alliana, until Mari's death seems to doom Alliana to a life of never-ending drudgery. Determined that she's made for better than her miserable lot, Alliana plots to escape to the shining capital city, and a few surprises, including a novice witch and friendly dragon, give Alliana the push to pursue the life she longs for. This Japanese Cinderella retelling is thrilling and thoughtful, spinning the well-worn story into something fresh and complex. The tale is set prior to Abe's Eva Evergreen (2020); established fans will be delighted to glimpse familiar characters and expand their knowledge about the magical world, though it also works beautifully as a stand-alone story for the uninitiated. An engrossing Cinderella story with deeper friendships, heaps more adventure, and an extra dash of dragons.

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September 1, 2022

Gr 3-7-In Abe's latest middle grade fantasy, a standalone set in the familiar world of her "Eva Evergreen" series, Alliana of Rivelle wishes to walk the path to her dreams but is stuck in dusty Narashino with her cruel stepfamily. Orphaned at a young age and forced to cater to every laborious demand to appease her ruthless stepmother, Alliana's miserable life working at the inn is only made bearable by the time she spends with her kind grandmother, who tells her hopeful stories worthy of inspiring the beautiful tapestries they sew together. But when tragedy occurs, Alliana is left alone until she rescues a nightdragon hatchling, who she names Kabo. The bond between the young girl and dragon is especially endearing and adds a fascinating element to this Japanese Cinderella retelling, further enriched by the art in every chapter header. Likewise, Alliana's other friendships are lovely and magical as she befriends apprentice witch Nela. As they conquer the abyss and its other dangerous creatures, Alliana learns that being brave is the key to unraveling her own great future. VERDICT An empowering fairy-tale retelling about friendship and chosen family; recommended for middle grade shelves.-Hazel Ureta

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