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Prisoners of Thornbrill
A family enslaved
A tyrant rising
And they’re not on Earth anymore
For five years, distrustful 20-year-old Melanie and her brother Jason thought the Grand Canyon would keep their dragon, Scalaed, safe. But none of that matters when all three wake up in another world as prisoners of the ruthless High Huntress, Helnah.
When a rebel hunter helps Melanie to escape, she must learn to trust him if she ever wants to get her brother and dragon back. Meanwhile, Jason uncovers Helnah’s harrowing design for her human prisoners—a plan that makes him think twice about leaving the fortress.
If they fail to take down Helnah’s dragon empire, Tindoria will burn to the ground with Scalaed at the helm. But to defeat the High Huntress, Melanie and her companions must wage war against the monstrosity dwelling in her volcano.
A tyrant rising
And they’re not on Earth anymore
For five years, distrustful 20-year-old Melanie and her brother Jason thought the Grand Canyon would keep their dragon, Scalaed, safe. But none of that matters when all three wake up in another world as prisoners of the ruthless High Huntress, Helnah.
When a rebel hunter helps Melanie to escape, she must learn to trust him if she ever wants to get her brother and dragon back. Meanwhile, Jason uncovers Helnah’s harrowing design for her human prisoners—a plan that makes him think twice about leaving the fortress.
If they fail to take down Helnah’s dragon empire, Tindoria will burn to the ground with Scalaed at the helm. But to defeat the High Huntress, Melanie and her companions must wage war against the monstrosity dwelling in her volcano.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2019
12 people are currently reading
960 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Pennington
3 books75 followersHannah Pennington has been writing fantasy since she was seven because reality doesn’t come with enough prophecies, magical creatures, or portals to other realms. When not scheming a new, juicy plot, Hannah can be found binge-watching DIY videos she claims to one day actually attempt, sharpening her graphic design skills, or drinking yet another glass of chocolate milk. She lives somewhere between her fictional worlds and Oklahoma. The Tindoria Chronicles trilogy is her latest attempt to escape reality—and drag new readers with her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 21, 2025
This was an interesting book that had some super cool elements! Like some of them were super cool! I'll be hiding this review for spoilers because I have a bone to pick about a character...lol...
Characters:
Melanie and her younger brother Jason are the main characters. Even though we get more POVs as the story goes, I still felt like they were the main ones. Melanie was a distant girl, afraid to get too close to people for fear they would discover that she's hiding a dragon in a canyon. Jason is his sister's friend and biggest supporter of her 'pet'.
There were a lot of unique and different fantasy characters that came into the story and I really enjoyed reading about the wolf/fox/people they were cool! And Elken was one of my favorite characters!
Language:
N/A
Romance:
A little, but it didn't get to fully blossom.
Magic:
Transportation to another world. Rocks that heal people. Children that have been poisoned and turn into dragons. The ability to walk through walls. Swords that can cut through anything. And I think that covers all the bases...
Overall:
This was a super unique book, with plenty of twists. I got turned about a few times, which might have been because I was having Alexa read this to me as I was working...lol...
But I did enjoy most of the story.
My biggest thing I'm upset about is a spoiler...being why did Elken almost die, but didn't because Jason was able to save him, only for him to die four chapters later! That is not fair, man! Not fair to Melanie and so not fair to my poor heart that was crushed when my favorite character died!
That is one of the big reasons this is 3.5 stars because I'm so upset.
Again, overall I enjoyed myself even if my heart is devastated!
Recommend ages 14+
Characters:
Melanie and her younger brother Jason are the main characters. Even though we get more POVs as the story goes, I still felt like they were the main ones. Melanie was a distant girl, afraid to get too close to people for fear they would discover that she's hiding a dragon in a canyon. Jason is his sister's friend and biggest supporter of her 'pet'.
There were a lot of unique and different fantasy characters that came into the story and I really enjoyed reading about the wolf/fox/people they were cool! And Elken was one of my favorite characters!
Language:
N/A
Romance:
A little, but it didn't get to fully blossom.
Magic:
Transportation to another world. Rocks that heal people. Children that have been poisoned and turn into dragons. The ability to walk through walls. Swords that can cut through anything. And I think that covers all the bases...
Overall:
This was a super unique book, with plenty of twists. I got turned about a few times, which might have been because I was having Alexa read this to me as I was working...lol...
But I did enjoy most of the story.
My biggest thing I'm upset about is a spoiler...being why did Elken almost die, but didn't because Jason was able to save him, only for him to die four chapters later! That is not fair, man! Not fair to Melanie and so not fair to my poor heart that was crushed when my favorite character died!
That is one of the big reasons this is 3.5 stars because I'm so upset.
Again, overall I enjoyed myself even if my heart is devastated!
Recommend ages 14+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2022
WHERE TO EVEN BEGIN?!
What a miraculously immersive novel! With the fantastical prowess so reminiscent of the Narnia books, reading this really felt like being transported to a fantasy world! The relationships, the action, the humor, everything was just amazing and I had so much fun. Laughed SO MUCH which i really love to do the more fantastical a novel gets and Hannah really delivered! The characters, particularly the main two were so dang relatable in their own ways and I found so much of myself in them and it wasn't hard at all! Right from the start I was interested in the mysteries of the world and getting to know more about the characters I'd be following inside it.
The banter is probably my favorite part! That and the clever use of the omnescient POV! You get to know what everyone in any given scene is thinking and it adds so much to this book - the author made a great decision to add that!
For all it's coziness though this book was NERVE WRACKING! My family gave me very weird looks several times from my untimely outbursts during so much of this book. The twists and turns really had me by the throat!
I know I said the banter is the best part but the magical feeling of the world is if I'm honest. It made me so giddy in all the right ways and made me hungry for more! So excited (and a bit scared) to read the sequal!
What a miraculously immersive novel! With the fantastical prowess so reminiscent of the Narnia books, reading this really felt like being transported to a fantasy world! The relationships, the action, the humor, everything was just amazing and I had so much fun. Laughed SO MUCH which i really love to do the more fantastical a novel gets and Hannah really delivered! The characters, particularly the main two were so dang relatable in their own ways and I found so much of myself in them and it wasn't hard at all! Right from the start I was interested in the mysteries of the world and getting to know more about the characters I'd be following inside it.
The banter is probably my favorite part! That and the clever use of the omnescient POV! You get to know what everyone in any given scene is thinking and it adds so much to this book - the author made a great decision to add that!
For all it's coziness though this book was NERVE WRACKING! My family gave me very weird looks several times from my untimely outbursts during so much of this book. The twists and turns really had me by the throat!
I know I said the banter is the best part but the magical feeling of the world is if I'm honest. It made me so giddy in all the right ways and made me hungry for more! So excited (and a bit scared) to read the sequal!
July 21, 2025
3.5 stars
February 22, 2024
I am a huge sucker for anything dragons, and I was so hyped to see a clean fiction novel featuring them. I loved the characters, the magical world of Tindoria, and all of Hannah Pennington's fantastical creatures. The plot of this story was a little hard for me to get into, and I didn't really get into it until about halfway through which made reading it feel a little forced. But when I finally got into the plot, I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read book 2 and learn what's in store for Melanie, Jason, and Scalaed!
October 8, 2023
4.5 Stars
Perfect for fans of…
-Narnia (portal fantasy, siblings)
-Dragon Tales (portal fantasy, brother and sister, a world of dragons)
-The Water Horse (kids find a magical egg and raise a fantasy beast)
-Star Wars (specifically the swamp scene because of Dagobah)
Favorite quote: “Faith forged in the face of adversity conquers all. Faith in knowing good triumphs over evil, and that the forces of good are the most powerful.”
This book had me laughing, crying (looking at you, chapter 27!), and feeling nostalgic. I liked how the book began in our world (Arizona) and ended up in a magical fantasy land (Tindoria). Portal fantasies can be difficult to pull off, but Hannah Pennington knocked this one out of the park!
The banter was really fun and kept me engaged in the story as it progressed. I loved the dynamics between all of the characters, especially Scalaed, Melanie, and Jason. There is a lot of heart put into these characters. Hannah Pennington did a wonderful job of getting readers invested in the dragon as much as she does the siblings, which I did not expect when I started this book. I ended up caring even more for Scalaed because of his perspective being depicted on the page. I found it to be quite unique that each chapter does not follow a single character so much as it flows seamlessly between the characters to help readers better understand each person’s thoughts, feelings, and motives. The pacing, for the most part, was pretty good. My only complaint was that the last few chapters felt rushed, specifically the big battle the book spent building towards. I felt the ending could have taken more time to capture the pivotal moment and process the aftermath, especially in regards to what happens. But this in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the overall story. The worldbuilding was fantastic, and had everything you would want from a nostalgic fantasy. From the kingdoms to the species to the concept of realms, I felt Hannah Pennington did a really thorough job of creating an immersive experience for readers to encounter. There is something quite precious about the way a group of virtual strangers came together for a single purpose, and the devotion they ended up feeling towards one another along the way. I loved that aspect, and it reminded me a lot of the kinds of stories I loved as a kid. Additionally, I really enjoyed the consistent detail that phrases and gestures that would make sense to Melanie and Jason meant nothing to the people of Tindoria (such as a thumbs up) since they’re aliens in that world. It was a funny and clever detail to include, and I commend Hannah Pennington for thinking to include it. The ending left me wanting more and I was genuinely sad when the story ended. I cannot wait to read more of this world, and I can’t wait for this book to be out in a little over a week! Thank you to Hannah Pennington for providing me with an eARC, it was truly a wonderful experience to read your book. Congratulations on this fantastic series starter!
(Disclaimer: While I received an eARC, all thoughts in my review are my own.)
Perfect for fans of…
-Narnia (portal fantasy, siblings)
-Dragon Tales (portal fantasy, brother and sister, a world of dragons)
-The Water Horse (kids find a magical egg and raise a fantasy beast)
-Star Wars (specifically the swamp scene because of Dagobah)
Favorite quote: “Faith forged in the face of adversity conquers all. Faith in knowing good triumphs over evil, and that the forces of good are the most powerful.”
This book had me laughing, crying (looking at you, chapter 27!), and feeling nostalgic. I liked how the book began in our world (Arizona) and ended up in a magical fantasy land (Tindoria). Portal fantasies can be difficult to pull off, but Hannah Pennington knocked this one out of the park!
The banter was really fun and kept me engaged in the story as it progressed. I loved the dynamics between all of the characters, especially Scalaed, Melanie, and Jason. There is a lot of heart put into these characters. Hannah Pennington did a wonderful job of getting readers invested in the dragon as much as she does the siblings, which I did not expect when I started this book. I ended up caring even more for Scalaed because of his perspective being depicted on the page. I found it to be quite unique that each chapter does not follow a single character so much as it flows seamlessly between the characters to help readers better understand each person’s thoughts, feelings, and motives. The pacing, for the most part, was pretty good. My only complaint was that the last few chapters felt rushed, specifically the big battle the book spent building towards. I felt the ending could have taken more time to capture the pivotal moment and process the aftermath, especially in regards to what happens. But this in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the overall story. The worldbuilding was fantastic, and had everything you would want from a nostalgic fantasy. From the kingdoms to the species to the concept of realms, I felt Hannah Pennington did a really thorough job of creating an immersive experience for readers to encounter. There is something quite precious about the way a group of virtual strangers came together for a single purpose, and the devotion they ended up feeling towards one another along the way. I loved that aspect, and it reminded me a lot of the kinds of stories I loved as a kid. Additionally, I really enjoyed the consistent detail that phrases and gestures that would make sense to Melanie and Jason meant nothing to the people of Tindoria (such as a thumbs up) since they’re aliens in that world. It was a funny and clever detail to include, and I commend Hannah Pennington for thinking to include it. The ending left me wanting more and I was genuinely sad when the story ended. I cannot wait to read more of this world, and I can’t wait for this book to be out in a little over a week! Thank you to Hannah Pennington for providing me with an eARC, it was truly a wonderful experience to read your book. Congratulations on this fantastic series starter!
(Disclaimer: While I received an eARC, all thoughts in my review are my own.)
October 3, 2024
3.5 stars
Melanie and her brother Jason discover a dragon egg while camping near the Grand Canyon. They hide the little dragon and name him Scalaed. The dragon grows up and leads Melanie and Jason into another world. There they are captured by an evil huntress and imprisoned in her dark fortress. The huntress is using dark magic to create an army of dragons, and she wants Scalaed for a special purpose.
I loved the magic in this book! There are telepathic birds, shapeshifters, immortal beings, healing crystals, and magical glass swords. There is a lot of mysterious dark magic, but there is also light magic to combat the dark.
The world-building of the realm of Tindoria is really interesting, and I love the weight of history behind all the legends. The people of Tindoria have suffered from years of war, and when Melanie and Jason arrive they have to catch up pretty quickly with the local politics. But the narrative has very little exposition, allowing the story to unfold naturally as the siblings learn about this new world.
In the first section of the book set in the Grand Canyon, you get a sense of the strong sibling bond between Melanie and Jason, and then when they are transported to another world, that relationship gets even stronger as they have to rely on each other to survive. They make friends with some good folk who come together to fight against the evil huntress. Melanie has a magical bond with her dragon, Scalaed, as well, and they can communicate with each other through a heart link. These friendships between the characters were the best part of the book!
However, I have a pet peeve about multiple POVs, and this book was head-hopping all over the place. The omniscient narrator was bouncing back and forth into a different character's or animal's experience in every other paragraph.
There were several things in the plot that I didn't quite understand, that seemed silly or weird to me. There is an enemy soldier who confronts Jason, and Jason says, "You can't hurt me. I'm Helnah's [the huntress] new favorite." So the soldier "dropped his sword in frustration." I mean, this is the head honcho general of the entire fortress, supposedly a battle-hardened warrior who commands all the soldiers of the army, and he just drops his sword??? What kind of stupid soldier drops his sword? Why didn't he just sheath his sword back in the scabbard? He realizes that he can't harm Jason because his boss, the huntress, wants Jason alive and unharmed, but is that any reason to drop your sword? Because he dropped his sword, Jason "scrambled for the sword" and they start fighting back and forth. Why would the soldier let down his guard like that, knowing that Jason is a threat? There were several little things like that which seemed very odd to me throughout the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the story though! The romance is clean and sweet. The writing is exciting and emotional. The plot keeps moving along through all their adventures. A fun fantasy story!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
Melanie and her brother Jason discover a dragon egg while camping near the Grand Canyon. They hide the little dragon and name him Scalaed. The dragon grows up and leads Melanie and Jason into another world. There they are captured by an evil huntress and imprisoned in her dark fortress. The huntress is using dark magic to create an army of dragons, and she wants Scalaed for a special purpose.
I loved the magic in this book! There are telepathic birds, shapeshifters, immortal beings, healing crystals, and magical glass swords. There is a lot of mysterious dark magic, but there is also light magic to combat the dark.
The world-building of the realm of Tindoria is really interesting, and I love the weight of history behind all the legends. The people of Tindoria have suffered from years of war, and when Melanie and Jason arrive they have to catch up pretty quickly with the local politics. But the narrative has very little exposition, allowing the story to unfold naturally as the siblings learn about this new world.
In the first section of the book set in the Grand Canyon, you get a sense of the strong sibling bond between Melanie and Jason, and then when they are transported to another world, that relationship gets even stronger as they have to rely on each other to survive. They make friends with some good folk who come together to fight against the evil huntress. Melanie has a magical bond with her dragon, Scalaed, as well, and they can communicate with each other through a heart link. These friendships between the characters were the best part of the book!
However, I have a pet peeve about multiple POVs, and this book was head-hopping all over the place. The omniscient narrator was bouncing back and forth into a different character's or animal's experience in every other paragraph.
There were several things in the plot that I didn't quite understand, that seemed silly or weird to me. There is an enemy soldier who confronts Jason, and Jason says, "You can't hurt me. I'm Helnah's [the huntress] new favorite." So the soldier "dropped his sword in frustration." I mean, this is the head honcho general of the entire fortress, supposedly a battle-hardened warrior who commands all the soldiers of the army, and he just drops his sword??? What kind of stupid soldier drops his sword? Why didn't he just sheath his sword back in the scabbard? He realizes that he can't harm Jason because his boss, the huntress, wants Jason alive and unharmed, but is that any reason to drop your sword? Because he dropped his sword, Jason "scrambled for the sword" and they start fighting back and forth. Why would the soldier let down his guard like that, knowing that Jason is a threat? There were several little things like that which seemed very odd to me throughout the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the story though! The romance is clean and sweet. The writing is exciting and emotional. The plot keeps moving along through all their adventures. A fun fantasy story!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
November 19, 2023
I need the second book so bad 😫
September 14, 2023
I received an ARC of Prisoners of Thornbrill and I am so glad I did. It gets all the stars from me.
This book has all the requirements for a strong start to an epic fantasy series. Dragons, magic, shape shifters, mythical weapons. I love it all! Tindoria has some strong Narnia vibes, and I am already obsessed with it. When is the second book coming?
The first couple of chapters are set in Arizona and show the relationship between Scalaed, the dragon, and siblings Melanie and Jason. Some fun, minor adventures happen, but these chapters are more of a slow burn before the three arrive in Tindoria and the real adventure begins.
Once in Tindoria, Melanie and Jason meet both foes and friends. They are tasked with freeing the prisoners from Helnah of Thornbrill before all the kingdoms fall to her evil plot.
I was impressed with the pacing of the story, and the writing style is unique. The pronunciation guide and the map at the beginning were very helpful.
It felt like a bold choice to have the main protagonists be older than usual for a book targeted for teens, but it makes sense in terms of what Jason and Melanie are up against. It also makes the story feel more accessible to adults. This would be a good option for an audiobook on a family road trip (though maybe not for younger school aged kids).
I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Narnia, Middle Earth, and fairy tales in general.
This book has all the requirements for a strong start to an epic fantasy series. Dragons, magic, shape shifters, mythical weapons. I love it all! Tindoria has some strong Narnia vibes, and I am already obsessed with it. When is the second book coming?
The first couple of chapters are set in Arizona and show the relationship between Scalaed, the dragon, and siblings Melanie and Jason. Some fun, minor adventures happen, but these chapters are more of a slow burn before the three arrive in Tindoria and the real adventure begins.
Once in Tindoria, Melanie and Jason meet both foes and friends. They are tasked with freeing the prisoners from Helnah of Thornbrill before all the kingdoms fall to her evil plot.
I was impressed with the pacing of the story, and the writing style is unique. The pronunciation guide and the map at the beginning were very helpful.
It felt like a bold choice to have the main protagonists be older than usual for a book targeted for teens, but it makes sense in terms of what Jason and Melanie are up against. It also makes the story feel more accessible to adults. This would be a good option for an audiobook on a family road trip (though maybe not for younger school aged kids).
I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Narnia, Middle Earth, and fairy tales in general.
October 9, 2022
I saw this book on Instagram - there was a freebie from the author. There were 4 free chapters on that freebie.
I was on a reading slump for 7 months.
This book took me out of that reading slump. Couldn't be more grateful, Hannah.
I love every bit of it of this book.
Who would've thought that reading the freebie out of boredom could get my soul sucked into the book's world.
I really wish I can read it again like the first time!
Prisoners of Thornbrill's first part feels like Eragon and Lord of the Rings but with a cleaner touch.
It's more focused on the relationship between the characters, their growth, and friendship.
If you're into action, there were plenty of them here too.
There were also some emotional elements here regarding the characters.
Pacing is fast to medium. Which I love because I literally die when I read slow paced stories.
Overall, this is like a fresh story to me compared to the overrated books I read that have the same ideas.
Hannah did well. And guys, she also responds on IG and very sincere with people she communicates with 😭
I was on a reading slump for 7 months.
This book took me out of that reading slump. Couldn't be more grateful, Hannah.
I love every bit of it of this book.
Who would've thought that reading the freebie out of boredom could get my soul sucked into the book's world.
I really wish I can read it again like the first time!
Prisoners of Thornbrill's first part feels like Eragon and Lord of the Rings but with a cleaner touch.
It's more focused on the relationship between the characters, their growth, and friendship.
If you're into action, there were plenty of them here too.
There were also some emotional elements here regarding the characters.
Pacing is fast to medium. Which I love because I literally die when I read slow paced stories.
Overall, this is like a fresh story to me compared to the overrated books I read that have the same ideas.
Hannah did well. And guys, she also responds on IG and very sincere with people she communicates with 😭
December 15, 2023
I was provided with this book in exchange for my honest review!
This refreshed me. It reminded me of the good old days of picking up a book and just reading it, and enjoying it without worrying what might be inside it.
The characters were unique, funny, and even unusual and I took to them right away. The descriptions were lovely, and I could easily picture my whereabouts; let me just say, fight scenes were great!
Some of the scenes moved a bit too quickly from one scenario to another, and I am still a little confused as to why the siblings aren't asking more questions about their situation but it still didn't dampen the pure enjoyment of the book, nor the fact I stayed up till a late hour to be able to finish it!
Clean fantasy, and wholesome sibling relationships make this a great choice for teens!
This refreshed me. It reminded me of the good old days of picking up a book and just reading it, and enjoying it without worrying what might be inside it.
The characters were unique, funny, and even unusual and I took to them right away. The descriptions were lovely, and I could easily picture my whereabouts; let me just say, fight scenes were great!
Some of the scenes moved a bit too quickly from one scenario to another, and I am still a little confused as to why the siblings aren't asking more questions about their situation but it still didn't dampen the pure enjoyment of the book, nor the fact I stayed up till a late hour to be able to finish it!
Clean fantasy, and wholesome sibling relationships make this a great choice for teens!
February 19, 2023
I read this book in about 5 hours!!! I couldn’t put it down!!! Well written and easy to follow!! I felt like I was transported into the fantasy realm!
December 6, 2025
An excellent book!
Hannah Pennington knocked it out of the park with her debut novel.
Prisoners of Thornbrill features relatable characters, an expansive world, and witty humour.
I love the subtle Catholic references as well as the overall moral message the book promotes.
The pacing and imagery was fascinating. The best way I can describe it is... cinematic. It manages to be fast paced without feeling overly rushed which is rather difficult to pull off.
The narrative voice was fascinating somehow being both 3rd person limited and omniscient and the unusual hybrid working SO WELL.
A couple minor notes:
As previously mentioned, the book is quick paced at times. Speedy readers (such as myself) may find themselves needing to slow down their speed to fully appreciate some of the more fast paced moments.
I found the time jumps in the beginning to be occasionally hard to follow (perhaps again due to my speed-reading habits) but once the reader gets past the first several chapters, the structure of the story straightens out nicely.
4.8 stars
Would highly recommend!
Hannah Pennington knocked it out of the park with her debut novel.
Prisoners of Thornbrill features relatable characters, an expansive world, and witty humour.
I love the subtle Catholic references as well as the overall moral message the book promotes.
The pacing and imagery was fascinating. The best way I can describe it is... cinematic. It manages to be fast paced without feeling overly rushed which is rather difficult to pull off.
The narrative voice was fascinating somehow being both 3rd person limited and omniscient and the unusual hybrid working SO WELL.
A couple minor notes:
As previously mentioned, the book is quick paced at times. Speedy readers (such as myself) may find themselves needing to slow down their speed to fully appreciate some of the more fast paced moments.
I found the time jumps in the beginning to be occasionally hard to follow (perhaps again due to my speed-reading habits) but once the reader gets past the first several chapters, the structure of the story straightens out nicely.
4.8 stars
Would highly recommend!
September 3, 2023
Narnia Chronicles meets How to Train your Dragon with some Lord of the Rings/Hobbit vibes in this fantasy adventure appropriate for virtually all ages. I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it entertaining and couldn't stop reading once I started. I liked the pacing of this story.
The world building is incredible. We are introduced to this new world as the characters are and we learn along with them about how it works without wasting too much time on explanations. I loved all of the main characters in this story. Melanie and Jason have such a good sibling bond which I absolutely loved and they both grow together and individually throughout this journey. If you like books about dragons, a bit of magic, good relationships, more dragons and lots of adventure in new lands with species you've never heard of and want a book your entire family can read then this book is for you.
Looking forward to the next book. Particularly I'd love to see more of Jason and his character arc.
(Received advanced copy in exchange for honest review)
The world building is incredible. We are introduced to this new world as the characters are and we learn along with them about how it works without wasting too much time on explanations. I loved all of the main characters in this story. Melanie and Jason have such a good sibling bond which I absolutely loved and they both grow together and individually throughout this journey. If you like books about dragons, a bit of magic, good relationships, more dragons and lots of adventure in new lands with species you've never heard of and want a book your entire family can read then this book is for you.
Looking forward to the next book. Particularly I'd love to see more of Jason and his character arc.
(Received advanced copy in exchange for honest review)
October 17, 2023
It is one I will get for my kids. It was clean, and not full of sibling rivalry, or over the top violence. That said, I was not as impressed with this novel as I was hoping to be. It felt more middle grade than YA, which is what I thought it was. The story fell a bit flat and was predictable. 3⭐⭐⭐ because I think, while I didn't care for it, I think my kids will highly enjoy it.
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December 14, 2023This is a portal fantasy about dragons and siblings. It was a clean read, which I do commend, and readers may appreciate, but this story just wasn't my personal cup of tea. 🙃
EDIT: Now that I have had some time to think about this, I've decided to update my review.
The story idea is not bad. The author is talented and has potential. The story plot initially captivated me, but the two main things I personally struggled with was confusion over which age group this was marketed to (says YA but is actually styliscally MG), and the frequent POV shifts mid-scene. I chose not to leave stars because I don't wish my review to hurt the author, but I did agree to an honest review in exchange for the ARC.
EDIT: Now that I have had some time to think about this, I've decided to update my review.
The story idea is not bad. The author is talented and has potential. The story plot initially captivated me, but the two main things I personally struggled with was confusion over which age group this was marketed to (says YA but is actually styliscally MG), and the frequent POV shifts mid-scene. I chose not to leave stars because I don't wish my review to hurt the author, but I did agree to an honest review in exchange for the ARC.
August 21, 2025
This is my debut, and I’m dang proud of it!
Narrative Voice: 3rd person (omniscient)
Cussing/profanity: 0/5
Drug/alcohol use: 1/5
Kissing: 0/5
Sex/nudity: 1/5*
Violence/gore: 2/5
This trilogy started out as my answer to my 11yo self's question: "What if Narnia happened in modern day, and I threw it in a blender with How To Train Your Dragon?" As the years wore on—and after many major rewrites and multiple rounds of professional editing—this trilogy had shifted to become my love letter to readers who now find themselves older than the Pevensie children but still crave an epic portal fantasy.
*totally non-sexual, non-descriptive nudity after a character transforms
Narrative Voice: 3rd person (omniscient)
Cussing/profanity: 0/5
Drug/alcohol use: 1/5
Kissing: 0/5
Sex/nudity: 1/5*
Violence/gore: 2/5
This trilogy started out as my answer to my 11yo self's question: "What if Narnia happened in modern day, and I threw it in a blender with How To Train Your Dragon?" As the years wore on—and after many major rewrites and multiple rounds of professional editing—this trilogy had shifted to become my love letter to readers who now find themselves older than the Pevensie children but still crave an epic portal fantasy.
*totally non-sexual, non-descriptive nudity after a character transforms
December 16, 2023
This is a good middle grade read. I went into thinking it was a YA novel so was hoping for a deeper plot. The story moves a bit quick, especially at the beginning, and I would have liked more character development.
I gave it two stars because I didn't enjoy reading it. If you enjoy middle grade fantasy though I think you should try it. I will be giving it to my kids to read so they can rate it as well.
I gave it two stars because I didn't enjoy reading it. If you enjoy middle grade fantasy though I think you should try it. I will be giving it to my kids to read so they can rate it as well.
April 9, 2025
Dragons, portals, and battles, oh my! This book kicks off what promises to be an amazing trilogy, reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, Adventures in Odyssey, and the legends of King Arthur. Imaginative, daring, and witty, Prisoners of Thornbrill contrasts the darkest of hearts with the most valiant of heroes.
March 1, 2024
GENRE: PORTAL FANTASY/ADVENTURE
30 SECOND ELEVATOR PITCH:
When Melanie brought home a unique, large stone from a family camping trip, the last thing she expected was for it to crack open and reveal a baby dragon. Together with her brother Jason, they concealed the dragon, Scalaed, from everyone around them in their very not-dragon-friendly modern world. For years, Melanie isolated herself to protect her dragon friend, and kept him safe. Which became a rather difficult task when Melanie, Jason, and Scalaed were transported to another world mid-dragon flight, and taken captive by people who look like they’re out of a fantasy novel. Separated, the three of them must survive, escape, and try to find a way home.
Saving the world was not a part of the plan. After all, for Melanie, Jason, and Scalaed, “Your purpose here has only just begun.”
SHELF-WORTHY, A GREAT READ, OR NOT FOR ME:
- SHELF WORTHY – 9 out of 10
MY TWO CENTS…
I had the wonderful opportunity to beta read Prisoners of Thornbrill, and after getting a copy of the final version, I got to experience the adventure all over again, but Hannah had made it even better!
In recent years, I’ve rarely ventured into the fantasy or adventure genre, as I have been burned by raunchy story elements that detracted from an otherwise good story, or books that went on for 800 pages and were just a thinly disguised knock-off of Lord of the Rings. But when I saw this book suggested by “The Glory Writers”, I took a chance, followed her on Instagram (which I rarely used), and offered to beta read. And it was such a fun read! No regrets here!
I love the concept of the portal fantasy, but haven’t found one that I liked the characters of, and wanted to know how the rest of the story goes. Of course, since I beta read her second book just recently, I now have to wait again for the release. Sigh…no spoilers, but get ready everyone!
And because it deserves a mention…The appearance of the case laminate hardcover is beautiful, but so is the dust jacket! Now I have the dilemma of choosing how to display it. Answer: two copies ha ha! I also participated in her Kickstarter, which I would do again for any future ones she creates. Her craftsmanship and love for her readers really came through in the presentation of the extra goodies you can get. I still have the box! Internally, the layout and chapter headers are so detailed and pretty. The content and appearance definitely delivered on what I expect in a fantasy novel. And can I say, what a treat it was to have chapter titles in a book again. Chapter 18…Or instead, A Chat in Jail?
Hannah Pennington delivered an epic journey, and just because she writes “clean fiction”, do not equate that with “boring”. Melanie, Jason, and Scalaed’s adventure is a wild ride and continues on!
30 SECOND ELEVATOR PITCH:
When Melanie brought home a unique, large stone from a family camping trip, the last thing she expected was for it to crack open and reveal a baby dragon. Together with her brother Jason, they concealed the dragon, Scalaed, from everyone around them in their very not-dragon-friendly modern world. For years, Melanie isolated herself to protect her dragon friend, and kept him safe. Which became a rather difficult task when Melanie, Jason, and Scalaed were transported to another world mid-dragon flight, and taken captive by people who look like they’re out of a fantasy novel. Separated, the three of them must survive, escape, and try to find a way home.
Saving the world was not a part of the plan. After all, for Melanie, Jason, and Scalaed, “Your purpose here has only just begun.”
SHELF-WORTHY, A GREAT READ, OR NOT FOR ME:
- SHELF WORTHY – 9 out of 10
MY TWO CENTS…
I had the wonderful opportunity to beta read Prisoners of Thornbrill, and after getting a copy of the final version, I got to experience the adventure all over again, but Hannah had made it even better!
In recent years, I’ve rarely ventured into the fantasy or adventure genre, as I have been burned by raunchy story elements that detracted from an otherwise good story, or books that went on for 800 pages and were just a thinly disguised knock-off of Lord of the Rings. But when I saw this book suggested by “The Glory Writers”, I took a chance, followed her on Instagram (which I rarely used), and offered to beta read. And it was such a fun read! No regrets here!
I love the concept of the portal fantasy, but haven’t found one that I liked the characters of, and wanted to know how the rest of the story goes. Of course, since I beta read her second book just recently, I now have to wait again for the release. Sigh…no spoilers, but get ready everyone!
And because it deserves a mention…The appearance of the case laminate hardcover is beautiful, but so is the dust jacket! Now I have the dilemma of choosing how to display it. Answer: two copies ha ha! I also participated in her Kickstarter, which I would do again for any future ones she creates. Her craftsmanship and love for her readers really came through in the presentation of the extra goodies you can get. I still have the box! Internally, the layout and chapter headers are so detailed and pretty. The content and appearance definitely delivered on what I expect in a fantasy novel. And can I say, what a treat it was to have chapter titles in a book again. Chapter 18…Or instead, A Chat in Jail?
Hannah Pennington delivered an epic journey, and just because she writes “clean fiction”, do not equate that with “boring”. Melanie, Jason, and Scalaed’s adventure is a wild ride and continues on!
October 19, 2023
"Prisoners of Thornbrill" by Hannah Pennington is captivating blend of epic fantasies.
Hannah delivers a mesmerizing tale that combines the best elements of beloved fantasy classics such as "Eragon," "Narnia," and "The Lord of the Rings." With a thrilling plot, compelling characters, and a richly imagined world, Pennington's novel captures the essence of these iconic works while carving out its unique place in the genre.
Like "Eragon," "Prisoners of Thornbrill" introduces readers to a captivating world where dragons reign supreme. The bond between Melanie, Jason, and their dragon companion, Scalaed, mirrors the deep connection between Eragon and his dragon, Saphira. Pennington skillfully explores the complexities of these relationships, evoking the same sense of wonder and awe found in Christopher Paolini's masterpiece.
Similar to "Narnia," Pennington transports readers to a realm beyond Earth, filled with magic and peril. The enchanting setting of Thornbrill, with its hidden dangers and breathtaking landscapes, evokes the same sense of wonder and adventure found in C.S. Lewis' beloved series. Pennington's vivid descriptions and attention to detail create a vivid and immersive world that will captivate fans of Narnia.
Drawing inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, "The Lord of the Rings," Pennington weaves a tale of epic proportions. The battle against the ruthless High Huntress, Helnah, and her dragon empire echoes the timeless struggle between good and evil found in Tolkien's masterpiece. The quest to save Tindoria and the alliances formed along the way reflect the themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight against tyranny that are central to "The Lord of the Rings."
While "Prisoners of Thornbrill" pays homage to these fantasy classics, it also stands on its own merits. Pennington's storytelling prowess shines through as she crafts a gripping and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The character development is robust, with Melanie's growth and Jason's moral dilemmas adding depth to the story. The world-building is intricate and vivid, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Thornbrill's wonders and dangers.
In conclusion, "Prisoners of Thornbrill" is a remarkable blend of epic fantasies, reminiscent of "Eragon," "Narnia," and "The Lord of the Rings." Hannah Pennington's skillful storytelling, rich world-building, and compelling characters make for an unforgettable reading experience. Fans of these beloved series will find themselves captivated by the enthralling tale of Melanie, Jason, and their dragon companion as they navigate a world filled with adventure, danger, and the ultimate quest for freedom.
Hannah delivers a mesmerizing tale that combines the best elements of beloved fantasy classics such as "Eragon," "Narnia," and "The Lord of the Rings." With a thrilling plot, compelling characters, and a richly imagined world, Pennington's novel captures the essence of these iconic works while carving out its unique place in the genre.
Like "Eragon," "Prisoners of Thornbrill" introduces readers to a captivating world where dragons reign supreme. The bond between Melanie, Jason, and their dragon companion, Scalaed, mirrors the deep connection between Eragon and his dragon, Saphira. Pennington skillfully explores the complexities of these relationships, evoking the same sense of wonder and awe found in Christopher Paolini's masterpiece.
Similar to "Narnia," Pennington transports readers to a realm beyond Earth, filled with magic and peril. The enchanting setting of Thornbrill, with its hidden dangers and breathtaking landscapes, evokes the same sense of wonder and adventure found in C.S. Lewis' beloved series. Pennington's vivid descriptions and attention to detail create a vivid and immersive world that will captivate fans of Narnia.
Drawing inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien's epic saga, "The Lord of the Rings," Pennington weaves a tale of epic proportions. The battle against the ruthless High Huntress, Helnah, and her dragon empire echoes the timeless struggle between good and evil found in Tolkien's masterpiece. The quest to save Tindoria and the alliances formed along the way reflect the themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fight against tyranny that are central to "The Lord of the Rings."
While "Prisoners of Thornbrill" pays homage to these fantasy classics, it also stands on its own merits. Pennington's storytelling prowess shines through as she crafts a gripping and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The character development is robust, with Melanie's growth and Jason's moral dilemmas adding depth to the story. The world-building is intricate and vivid, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Thornbrill's wonders and dangers.
In conclusion, "Prisoners of Thornbrill" is a remarkable blend of epic fantasies, reminiscent of "Eragon," "Narnia," and "The Lord of the Rings." Hannah Pennington's skillful storytelling, rich world-building, and compelling characters make for an unforgettable reading experience. Fans of these beloved series will find themselves captivated by the enthralling tale of Melanie, Jason, and their dragon companion as they navigate a world filled with adventure, danger, and the ultimate quest for freedom.
October 16, 2023
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5/5 stars)
First, I have to say that the cover of Prisoners of Thornbrill, which was designed by the author, is gorgeous! There’s also a map of Tindoria, which the author also designed. It, too, is lovely!
Prisoners of Thornbrill is a good debut novel. This is a YA portal fantasy story with good world-building and interesting characters.
I enjoyed the author’s creativity. Her Tindorian characters were pretty unique; I especially liked the Hündr. The world of Tindoria felt pretty realistic, with excellent descriptions that I could mentally picture as I read.
Another positive for me is that the story is “clean.” There are no actual cuss words used and no smut. There is, however, a bit of violence which didn’t bother me, but might be too much for some readers (especially younger YA readers).
Overall, I think it’s a good story. I felt, however, that it could have been even better with a few changes. For example, the story starts off quite slow and felt drug-out while the author is chronologically telling the reader how the twins find the dragon egg as teens and, skipping 2 years at a time, how they care for the dragon in our world. I felt I really didn’t learn enough about the MCs through these early chapters. I think it would have been better if the author had started the story at chapter 9 and, through individual POV flashbacks or through the twins reminiscing about those earlier events together, given us glimpses into those years instead.
Once the main part of the story starts in chapter 10, the pacing becomes a bit better, with faster-paced action scenes and slower-paced in-between scenes.
A few other things that I personally didn’t care for: there was a bit too much coarse-ish language (no outright swears, but several borderline or replacement words), the (light) romance didn’t feel quite believable, there is a lot of narrative explaining rather than showing, and the omniscient POV (it was done well enough, I just don’t enjoy reading omniscient POV).
I believe this author has a lot of potential, and just needs to continue honing her writing craft. I will be curious to see how she improves with the next book in this trilogy.
My 3.5 star rating means I liked it, but I didn't connect to this book as much as I would have liked. I might be willing to read more books by the same author.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to older teens who enjoy portal fantasy stories with dragons.
Thank you to the author, Hannah Pennington, for allowing me to read an Advance Reader Copy (ebook) of Prisoners of Thornbrill. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
First, I have to say that the cover of Prisoners of Thornbrill, which was designed by the author, is gorgeous! There’s also a map of Tindoria, which the author also designed. It, too, is lovely!
Prisoners of Thornbrill is a good debut novel. This is a YA portal fantasy story with good world-building and interesting characters.
I enjoyed the author’s creativity. Her Tindorian characters were pretty unique; I especially liked the Hündr. The world of Tindoria felt pretty realistic, with excellent descriptions that I could mentally picture as I read.
Another positive for me is that the story is “clean.” There are no actual cuss words used and no smut. There is, however, a bit of violence which didn’t bother me, but might be too much for some readers (especially younger YA readers).
Overall, I think it’s a good story. I felt, however, that it could have been even better with a few changes. For example, the story starts off quite slow and felt drug-out while the author is chronologically telling the reader how the twins find the dragon egg as teens and, skipping 2 years at a time, how they care for the dragon in our world. I felt I really didn’t learn enough about the MCs through these early chapters. I think it would have been better if the author had started the story at chapter 9 and, through individual POV flashbacks or through the twins reminiscing about those earlier events together, given us glimpses into those years instead.
Once the main part of the story starts in chapter 10, the pacing becomes a bit better, with faster-paced action scenes and slower-paced in-between scenes.
A few other things that I personally didn’t care for: there was a bit too much coarse-ish language (no outright swears, but several borderline or replacement words), the (light) romance didn’t feel quite believable, there is a lot of narrative explaining rather than showing, and the omniscient POV (it was done well enough, I just don’t enjoy reading omniscient POV).
I believe this author has a lot of potential, and just needs to continue honing her writing craft. I will be curious to see how she improves with the next book in this trilogy.
My 3.5 star rating means I liked it, but I didn't connect to this book as much as I would have liked. I might be willing to read more books by the same author.
Ultimately, I would recommend this book to older teens who enjoy portal fantasy stories with dragons.
Thank you to the author, Hannah Pennington, for allowing me to read an Advance Reader Copy (ebook) of Prisoners of Thornbrill. All opinions expressed in this review are my honest thoughts about this book.
October 10, 2023
Check out my full review with spoilers here: https://www.authorcararuegg.com/post/...
This is a great debut novel, fast paced and intense with a lot of emotional moments.
Some nit-picks:
I found it weird with the love interest entering the female MCs room to let her know he forgave her. I was just thinking how unless it were my husband I would not want a man coming into my bedroom because what if I was immodest? Plus if anyone else saw him enter and leave I feel like that could be a cause of scandal. I can’t recall exactly though. If it was a shared room then that’s less of a problem I guess but still made me not so sure. I think I would’ve preferred him just to try and talk to her through the wall and leave it at that instead of coming in and tucking her in.
I feel like the relationship with the butcher guy was too rushed to care. Melanie chooses not to get close and cuts him off because of her secret, and it’s an emotional reason but I didn’t really care as a reader because I didn’t really feel any connection not even friendship. I would’ve liked to see some more conversations, maybe her sitting alone at lunch and feeling awkward and him choosing to sit next to her, things like that instead of just him being clearly infatuated with her looks and polite semi superficial conversations.
I felt the beginning dragged in parts, and it wasn’t till we entered the new world that things got super exciting.
Things I loved:
Jason was my favourite character. He was hilarious and very well fleshed out. I enjoyed his comical nature. He also just seemed very teenagey and I feel like the YA readers will love him.
Melanie was easy to care for and her romance in the new fantasy world was very emotion-evoking and believable. There was also a lot of selflessness portrayed which was great and romance was smut free thankfully, appropriate for YA readers.
I loved the dragon and also seeing from his POV.
I found a lot of things very creative and well thought out. Great world building.
The “all is lost” moment toward the end was so intense! It was very much an all is lost time and was hard to stop reading at that point.
This is a great debut novel, fast paced and intense with a lot of emotional moments.
Some nit-picks:
I found it weird with the love interest entering the female MCs room to let her know he forgave her. I was just thinking how unless it were my husband I would not want a man coming into my bedroom because what if I was immodest? Plus if anyone else saw him enter and leave I feel like that could be a cause of scandal. I can’t recall exactly though. If it was a shared room then that’s less of a problem I guess but still made me not so sure. I think I would’ve preferred him just to try and talk to her through the wall and leave it at that instead of coming in and tucking her in.
I feel like the relationship with the butcher guy was too rushed to care. Melanie chooses not to get close and cuts him off because of her secret, and it’s an emotional reason but I didn’t really care as a reader because I didn’t really feel any connection not even friendship. I would’ve liked to see some more conversations, maybe her sitting alone at lunch and feeling awkward and him choosing to sit next to her, things like that instead of just him being clearly infatuated with her looks and polite semi superficial conversations.
I felt the beginning dragged in parts, and it wasn’t till we entered the new world that things got super exciting.
Things I loved:
Jason was my favourite character. He was hilarious and very well fleshed out. I enjoyed his comical nature. He also just seemed very teenagey and I feel like the YA readers will love him.
Melanie was easy to care for and her romance in the new fantasy world was very emotion-evoking and believable. There was also a lot of selflessness portrayed which was great and romance was smut free thankfully, appropriate for YA readers.
I loved the dragon and also seeing from his POV.
I found a lot of things very creative and well thought out. Great world building.
The “all is lost” moment toward the end was so intense! It was very much an all is lost time and was hard to stop reading at that point.
November 26, 2023
Hannah Pennigton's Prisoners of Thornbrill is a YA clean fantasy fiction novel full of dragons, mystery and of course adventure!
First things first, I loved the book! I think every author has their strengths and areas where their writing really shines. Pennigton's highlight are her characters, and boy did I get invested in them!
My favorites proved to be:
Jason, for his humor, strength and easygoing manner.
Briefur, for his bravery and calmness. He reminded me of Legolas in so many ways!
Fallon, for her sweet demeanor and kind spirit. She was such a cool character and I loved her and Jason's dynamic even though it wasn't fully touched on in the books.
And of course Poison Ivy! Who doesn't love a spunky, scaled dragon horse! Ahh she was the coolest!
I loved the world building, and the different cultures and countries, especially the trarewolves! They reminded me so much of the elves from Lord of the rings and I hope that we get to see more of them in future books! I think Pennington did a great job of build up her world without making it overwhelming and kept it exciting.
The romance was nice and light and wasn't so heavy that it took over the story.
The villain was convincing although her motives could have been a bit more clearer. Again, perhaps in the second book????
Now of course with every book there are some imperfections. I think the Prisoners of Thornbrill's greatest flaw was the pacing. Sometimes things seemed to go by to quickly or somethings weren't touched on enough. But they are easy imperfections to fix and hopefully the characters who didn't get that much spotlight in this book will get more in the next one!
Aside from that there were a few minor grammatical errors, but they can be easily dismissed.
In conclusion I would give this book a solid four stars.
1 star for world-building, 1 star for an interesting plot and 2 stars for fantastic characters!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would I recommend this book? With the exception of very young children I think anyone could read this and enjoy, so yes! I would definitely recommend it!
First things first, I loved the book! I think every author has their strengths and areas where their writing really shines. Pennigton's highlight are her characters, and boy did I get invested in them!
My favorites proved to be:
Jason, for his humor, strength and easygoing manner.
Briefur, for his bravery and calmness. He reminded me of Legolas in so many ways!
Fallon, for her sweet demeanor and kind spirit. She was such a cool character and I loved her and Jason's dynamic even though it wasn't fully touched on in the books.
And of course Poison Ivy! Who doesn't love a spunky, scaled dragon horse! Ahh she was the coolest!
I loved the world building, and the different cultures and countries, especially the trarewolves! They reminded me so much of the elves from Lord of the rings and I hope that we get to see more of them in future books! I think Pennington did a great job of build up her world without making it overwhelming and kept it exciting.
The romance was nice and light and wasn't so heavy that it took over the story.
The villain was convincing although her motives could have been a bit more clearer. Again, perhaps in the second book????
Now of course with every book there are some imperfections. I think the Prisoners of Thornbrill's greatest flaw was the pacing. Sometimes things seemed to go by to quickly or somethings weren't touched on enough. But they are easy imperfections to fix and hopefully the characters who didn't get that much spotlight in this book will get more in the next one!
Aside from that there were a few minor grammatical errors, but they can be easily dismissed.
In conclusion I would give this book a solid four stars.
1 star for world-building, 1 star for an interesting plot and 2 stars for fantastic characters!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would I recommend this book? With the exception of very young children I think anyone could read this and enjoy, so yes! I would definitely recommend it!
September 28, 2023
Prisoners of Thornbrill is a fun, clean fantasy romp through the magical world of Tindora. The main protagonists, Melanie and her brother Jason, start off in the real world with the discovery of a strange egg. What turns out to be a dragon egg starts the two on a journey which will take them out of their world and into the alternate world of Tindora.
The characters are interesting and likeable. The author fleshes out the relationships between them and their internal struggles rather nicely. I especially liked the interaction between Melanie and the dragon, Scalead. It is difficult enough to show emotions with a verbal character. A non-verbal one is an even greater challenge. There are also some challenging issues the author touches upon including loneliness, heartbreak, and perseverance. They do not, however, diminish the entertaining feel of the story, but rather enhance it.
Overall, this is a nice introduction to a fun portal fantasy. There is magic, mystical creatures, battles, and an overarching plot. Through it all, however, the author does not forgot her characters and what drives them. I received this book as a free ARC, but after reading it, went out and pre-ordered it anyway. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes clean, fun fantasy. Can’t wait for the next in the series!
The characters are interesting and likeable. The author fleshes out the relationships between them and their internal struggles rather nicely. I especially liked the interaction between Melanie and the dragon, Scalead. It is difficult enough to show emotions with a verbal character. A non-verbal one is an even greater challenge. There are also some challenging issues the author touches upon including loneliness, heartbreak, and perseverance. They do not, however, diminish the entertaining feel of the story, but rather enhance it.
Overall, this is a nice introduction to a fun portal fantasy. There is magic, mystical creatures, battles, and an overarching plot. Through it all, however, the author does not forgot her characters and what drives them. I received this book as a free ARC, but after reading it, went out and pre-ordered it anyway. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes clean, fun fantasy. Can’t wait for the next in the series!
September 7, 2023
This book is a page-turner, I read it in two days!
I like the characters of Melanie, Jason and Scalaed, they have distinct personalities but they share something very special: they fight for the good against the evil. The main antagonist, Helnah, is really frightening. All of the characters are believable.
Also, I like that there is a lot of magic in Tindoria. There is a great contrast between Arizona and Tindoria. Having these two siblings living in a specific place on Earth makes it easier to feel identified with their experiences, their family dynamics and school, which makes them relatable, but also they share more epic traits in Tindoria which makes you admire them at the end.
It has a simple but yet rich vocabulary, something I really appreciate. Being non-native English speaker myself, it was easy for me to follow the narrative.
The title has many layers of meaning, which you discover while the plot develops.
I recommend it 100%, especially for kids and teenagers.
I like the characters of Melanie, Jason and Scalaed, they have distinct personalities but they share something very special: they fight for the good against the evil. The main antagonist, Helnah, is really frightening. All of the characters are believable.
Also, I like that there is a lot of magic in Tindoria. There is a great contrast between Arizona and Tindoria. Having these two siblings living in a specific place on Earth makes it easier to feel identified with their experiences, their family dynamics and school, which makes them relatable, but also they share more epic traits in Tindoria which makes you admire them at the end.
It has a simple but yet rich vocabulary, something I really appreciate. Being non-native English speaker myself, it was easy for me to follow the narrative.
The title has many layers of meaning, which you discover while the plot develops.
I recommend it 100%, especially for kids and teenagers.
October 16, 2023
Rated: 4⭐️
I was in a reading slump for 2 months and this book definitely helped me get out of it! It’s a fast paced (clean) fantasy about two siblings who are transported from Arizona to the magical world of Tindoria.
This book packs it all from adventure,magic,love, and family. It’s a really fast paced read that hooks you from the first page! I absolutely loved the fact that you start in a normal modern word and then get absolutely transported to another one of magic and fantasy. I fell in love with all the characters, and the overall creativity of this novel!
Overall the book was really enjoyable, but one thing I noticed that put me slightly off was the large amount of ‘climax’ scenes and the simplicity of the writing. Otherwise the book was truly wonderful!
I’m excited to see where Hannah Pennington’s series goes! A huge congrats and well done to her debut novel✨
I was in a reading slump for 2 months and this book definitely helped me get out of it! It’s a fast paced (clean) fantasy about two siblings who are transported from Arizona to the magical world of Tindoria.
This book packs it all from adventure,magic,love, and family. It’s a really fast paced read that hooks you from the first page! I absolutely loved the fact that you start in a normal modern word and then get absolutely transported to another one of magic and fantasy. I fell in love with all the characters, and the overall creativity of this novel!
Overall the book was really enjoyable, but one thing I noticed that put me slightly off was the large amount of ‘climax’ scenes and the simplicity of the writing. Otherwise the book was truly wonderful!
I’m excited to see where Hannah Pennington’s series goes! A huge congrats and well done to her debut novel✨
October 17, 2023
Overall good book; would recommend; I will definitely be reading the sequels!
Likes:
✅Good, exciting plot
✅Lovable characters
✅Cute romantic subplots (slowburns)
✅Well-defined timeline
✅Good description throughout
Dislikes:
❌Slow start; almost dnf because (for me at least) the plot didn’t get interesting until chapter 13
❌Unrealistic sibling interactions/dialog
❌Too many large time jumps
❌The characters feel much younger than they are described to be, especially at the start of the book
❌Many of the characters’ actions are not reasonably explained; a lot of moving locations when I didn’t understand why
Overall the most important aspects of a good book were there, but there were also a few smaller issues that I think negatively impacted the story. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Likes:
✅Good, exciting plot
✅Lovable characters
✅Cute romantic subplots (slowburns)
✅Well-defined timeline
✅Good description throughout
Dislikes:
❌Slow start; almost dnf because (for me at least) the plot didn’t get interesting until chapter 13
❌Unrealistic sibling interactions/dialog
❌Too many large time jumps
❌The characters feel much younger than they are described to be, especially at the start of the book
❌Many of the characters’ actions are not reasonably explained; a lot of moving locations when I didn’t understand why
Overall the most important aspects of a good book were there, but there were also a few smaller issues that I think negatively impacted the story. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
September 15, 2023
This was a nice break from a lot of the other types of books I've been reading, and it had so many vibes from different movies like Narnia, LOTR, How to Train Your Dragon, and others! The pacing was a little slower, but the world building was nice and the omniscient pov was cool. There's very little romance in this book, it's definitely a subplot and there's some tension, but this is absolutely an urban fantasy novel with dimensional travel. The characters were very relatable. And there's dragons! I mean, it's obvious from the cover, but there are more than one and they're very unique. This book also hints at something special and tense, and the cliffhanger will have you wishing for the next book.
January 10, 2024
I’ll start this off by saying I’m not super into portal/high fantasy so take this review with a grain of salt.
I enjoyed my time reading this! I liked the POV and even though the plot was predictable at times, I enjoyed that it was. Not every book needs a plot twist. I will say I wish some parts were shown more instead of told. I like to be immersed in the world and that’s hard for me to do when things are just explained. Then again, it did lend to the book being faster paced and an easier read.
I loved that it’s clean!!! Gah, I’m so tired of having to stop reading fantasy books because of smut. I’m looking forward to the second book and hoping that with all the set up of the first there will be a deeper dive into the world.
I enjoyed my time reading this! I liked the POV and even though the plot was predictable at times, I enjoyed that it was. Not every book needs a plot twist. I will say I wish some parts were shown more instead of told. I like to be immersed in the world and that’s hard for me to do when things are just explained. Then again, it did lend to the book being faster paced and an easier read.
I loved that it’s clean!!! Gah, I’m so tired of having to stop reading fantasy books because of smut. I’m looking forward to the second book and hoping that with all the set up of the first there will be a deeper dive into the world.
August 23, 2025
* DISCLAIMER * I mean for this to be constructive criticism, not an insult to the book or the author.
I DFN’d this book about a quarter of the way through. The premise was intriguing, and I looked forward to reading a Christian fantasy book with dragons, but the writing style wasn’t my thing.
The dialogue felt choppy and unnatural, not like how people usually talk. The characters didn’t feel realistic; in fact, they seemed kind of flat. Finally I didn’t follow the logic of the plot development; the main character’s series of decisions didn’t make sense to me.
I love the idea of capturing the wonder and magic of the Chronicles of Narnia-style books for a modern audience, as they are some of my favorite books, but the writing style just wasn’t for me.
I DFN’d this book about a quarter of the way through. The premise was intriguing, and I looked forward to reading a Christian fantasy book with dragons, but the writing style wasn’t my thing.
The dialogue felt choppy and unnatural, not like how people usually talk. The characters didn’t feel realistic; in fact, they seemed kind of flat. Finally I didn’t follow the logic of the plot development; the main character’s series of decisions didn’t make sense to me.
I love the idea of capturing the wonder and magic of the Chronicles of Narnia-style books for a modern audience, as they are some of my favorite books, but the writing style just wasn’t for me.
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