Warrior (The Dragon King Chronicles)
Gr 9 Up—Warrior continues the saga of Kira, the fierce demon slayer introduced in Prophecy (HarperCollins, 2013)-a fantasy adventure novel set within an alternate history of feudal Korea. In the previous title, the protagonist obtained the legendary tidal stone that controls the seas and defeated the evil shaman who had infiltrated her kingdom. However, she couldn't prevent the deaths of her parents and her uncle, the king of Hansong. Without their leadership, the kingdom is thrown into chaos, and Kira must continue her quest for the two remaining treasures in order to fulfill the Dragon King's prophecy and bring peace to her land. In this installment, the teen attempts to retrieve a legendary jeweled dagger from the clutches of a dragon while continuing to serve as bodyguard to her nephew, the crown prince. The female warrior remains a compellingly rich character who learns to follow her instincts, trust others, and forgive. Her conflicted feelings about the attentions from two very different suitors add an interesting romance plotline, without deterring from the main story. This is an action-packed adventure with a fresh batch of terrifying enemies, surprise attacks, and unexpected allies. Realistic dialogue and an exciting pace make this a page-turner. Warrior is sure to satisfy Prophecy fans and win over new devotees.—Sunnie Lovelace, Wallingford Public Library, CT