Title: Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm
Written by: Siobhan McDermott
Illustrated by: Yuzhen Cai
Published by: Hodder Childrens Books
Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm is a greatmagical fantasy adventure that had me gripped from the start. Twelve-year-old Zhi Ging was born under mysterious circumstances. From the start the reader has the impression that she has an important destiny. She grows up feeling different from everyone else in her village Fei Chui and not understand why. Her grandmother Aapau has been sent by the Lead Glassmith to the roaming tower for her final year meaning Zhi Ging has nowhere to live and will have to work in the treacherous post pipe to make a living. On top of this she is being picked on by the Lead Glassmith’s daughter, Iridill, who falsely accused her of summoning the spirit of Fui Gwai.
Zhi Ging believes her only escape would be to go to the magic training school, Hok Woh, to learn the skills to become a Cyo B’Ahon. But when she doesn’t pass the entrance exam Zhi Ging makes one final desperate bid to be accepted but her plea is interrupted by the appearance of the prowling spirit of Fui Gwai and not the whole village believe Iridill that she summoned the spirit. Now Zhi Ging has to escape the village more than ever. Through sheer determination and stubbornness she receives an acceptance lantern which allows her entry into Hok Woh where she has to succeed in twelve trials to pass her Silhouette year.
The characters are well rounded and believable. Zhi Ging’s character has been extremely well thought-out and her back story has significant repercussions for the plot which was good to see.
The world building was magnificent throughout the book. Siobhan McDermott uses all the sense to create stimulating descriptions to provide the reader with an evocative picture of the floating market, the dragon boat races and I could imagine the corridors and various classrooms of Hok Woh vividly. The map really does not do it justice but is a useful addition to help get ones bearings.
Events happen really fast especially as we reach the climatic ending. I hardly had enough time to breath. For some this may be overwhelming but for me I thought it was brilliant. I like the feel I am in the thick of the action and do get bored when reading meandering prose, so The Fight for the Hidden Realm was ideally paced for me.
The character name explanations at the back of the book made me laugh. I was impressed at the amount of thought Siobhan McDermott had put into it. However, I believe it has confirmed my suspicions on who the other conspirator is. Now I have to read the second book int the series to see if I am right.
Ideal for readers who love fantasy adventure.
You can buy copies of Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm by Siobhan McDermott from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.
I have previously reviewed this book on NetGalley.