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What if your family’s big secret was … dragons? Like actual dragons. You know, the kind with big wings, teeth, scales, and a dragon-sized appetite for sushi. It turns out they live in this magical Otherworld dimension parallel to ours. Some families, selected to be dragon guardians or cosantóirs, act as mediators between dragons and humans. How would you deal with all of that?
That’s exactly the question Aidan McAllister faced when she turned 13. Now not only does she have to juggle schoolwork, cheerleading practice, the latest fashion trends, and babysitting her little brother Zach, she’s got to keep up with J, her slightly goofy, but ancient and still unpredictable green dragon. It’s a lot! But luckily, she’s got her Aunt Neece, who’s a guardian herself, to teach her all the rules, even when they don’t make any sense.
What do you do when your first real cosantóir crisis happens? Zach disappears on her babysitting watch — with J! And now Aidan’s got to break Dragon Rule Number One just to find them: A cosantóir who travels into the Otherworld must always be accompanied by her dragon. If she goes into the Otherworld without J, she’ll face unknown perils without his protection, but if she doesn’t, Zach might never find his way back. Or worse.
"Dragon Rules" is the second book in the Dragon Guardians series by Tallahassee author Rhett DeVane, following the multiple-award-winning book one, "The Dragon Box." This middle-grade fantasy adventure is written for kids around ages 8 to 13, and will be enjoyed by fantasy readers of any age who love stories about dragons, family legacy, courage, and enduring friendship.
You probably already know DeVane’s southern fiction, with her gift for writing local settings and quirky characters in a way that is both uplifting as well as hilarious.
DeVane is the author of several middle grade chapter books, as well as eight mainstream fiction novels, two coauthored novels, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. Her stories have won numerous awards from the Tallahassee Writers Association, the Florida Writers Association, and the Florida Authors and Publishers Association.
She brings that same storytelling charm and humor to the Dragon Guardians series, which takes place in familiar North Florida locations, such as Tallahassee and Lake City, while also transporting us into the boundless imaginary realms of the Otherworld. Anything can happen there.
DeVane’s Otherworld both delights with dreamlike fields of flowers and dragonflies, as well as spotlights our real-world problems, such as the stinking human landfill turned maze and dragon council house. But J’s favorite Otherworld location might be the giant sushi bar, which serves both dragons and their guardians. Aidan agrees, even if the stuff the dragons drink there is a little stomach-turning.
At the heart of "Dragon Rules" is a tale of courage and friendship, as Aidan must enlist the help of Paige, a new friend from school with troubles of her own. The two of them must navigate the dangers of the Otherworld together and solve the riddle of a dark fairy who’s intent on keeping Zach in danger.
But an even more ominous presence lurks at the heart of the landfill maze, and it will take more than bravery to face it. Aidan will come to think of Paige as her dragon guardian sister, and the adventure is sure to continue!
Elizabeth Babski is the co-owner of Happy Cat Press, as well as Babski Creative Studios. She is a fantasy author and artist.
If you go
What: Join Happy Cat Press for the launch of Dragon Rules by Rhett DeVane
When: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25
Where: My Favorite Books, 111 S Magnolia Dr. Ste 13
Details: happycatpress.com
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee writer Rhett DeVane introduces captivating 'Dragon Rules'
