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Paper Dragons #1
Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm
A 12-year-old girl wins an invitation to train as an apprentice to immortals in the first book of the new must-read magical series destined to take the world by storm —p erfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, Skandar and Eragon.
Let the competition begin!
An outsider in her village above the cloud sea, 12-year-old orphan Yeung Zhi Ging’s only hope of escape is to win the single invitation to train as a an apprentice to the immortals. After her ill-fated attempt to impress the Silhouette scout leads to a dragon attack on the jade mountain, Zhi Ging is sure that her chances, and her life, are over. But the scout spots her potential and offers her protection and a second chance. She’s in.
In her lessons in Hok Woh, the underwater realm of the immortals, Zhi Ging must face the challenging trials set by her teachers to prove that she’s worthy of being a Silhouette—despite her rivals' attempts to sabotage her. But as Zhi Ging’s power grows, so do the rumours of the return of the Fui Gwai, an evil spirit that turns people into grey-eyed thralls.
When the impossible happens and the Fui Gwai attack the Silhouettes, can Zhi Ging use her newly uncovered talents to save her friends and the world beyond? Or will the grey-eyed spirit consume them all?
“A soaring, luminous new world." —Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of The Nevermoor series
Let the competition begin!
An outsider in her village above the cloud sea, 12-year-old orphan Yeung Zhi Ging’s only hope of escape is to win the single invitation to train as a an apprentice to the immortals. After her ill-fated attempt to impress the Silhouette scout leads to a dragon attack on the jade mountain, Zhi Ging is sure that her chances, and her life, are over. But the scout spots her potential and offers her protection and a second chance. She’s in.
In her lessons in Hok Woh, the underwater realm of the immortals, Zhi Ging must face the challenging trials set by her teachers to prove that she’s worthy of being a Silhouette—despite her rivals' attempts to sabotage her. But as Zhi Ging’s power grows, so do the rumours of the return of the Fui Gwai, an evil spirit that turns people into grey-eyed thralls.
When the impossible happens and the Fui Gwai attack the Silhouettes, can Zhi Ging use her newly uncovered talents to save her friends and the world beyond? Or will the grey-eyed spirit consume them all?
“A soaring, luminous new world." —Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of The Nevermoor series
400 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2024
65 people are currently reading
3587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
February 4, 2024
There’s no denying this was a fun, magical adventure read and one I’m certain will go down a treat with many readers but sadly it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I enjoyed it well enough but I found the writing and world building to be a little clunky at times. It had such a huge amount of potential to be something wholly unique but even the underwater element felt almost irrelevant at times as the world building was somewhat lacking (except for the jellyfish and Malo who have my entire heart). The plot itself felt like many other magic school stories I’ve read sliced up and stuck back together again and the characters weren’t quite developed enough for me.
That being said this was fun and jam packed and if I’d never read a book like this before, I’m sure I would have been blown away. Sadly, it just wasn’t quite executed in a way that allowed this story to reach its full potential.
That being said this was fun and jam packed and if I’d never read a book like this before, I’m sure I would have been blown away. Sadly, it just wasn’t quite executed in a way that allowed this story to reach its full potential.
January 25, 2024
A beautifully written fantasy debut inspired by Chinese culture and folklore. Thank you to the publishers for sending me an early proof copy of the book to read! The story was something that I was eagerly anticipating as someone who is British Chinese, it is exactly the sort of representation for children that I want to see being published!
Child me would have loved to read about a Chinese inspired fantasy book with a magical underwater world with immortals, adventure and adorable animal companions. Zhi Ging is a character that I would’ve been able to relate to and see someone like myself in a book.
Firstly, I cannot get over how lyrical the writing was as there were so many passages that invoked vivid imagery of this well crafted world. So much of the magic and concepts were unique and not something I have come across before. It was so refreshing to have something new and that I had to stop and think about. It also did not read like a children’s book and is something that I think anyone at any age can enjoy. The story was fast paced and I loved our main character Zhi Ging, seeing her journey and the adventures and learning she went through.
The end portion of the book really picked up in pace and now I am eagerly awaiting news of book 2 and to see where our protagonist goes next.
Overall I highly recommend this book if you want a fantasy with lyrical writing, a new world with unique magic, or if you haven’t read any Chinese inspired fantasy before, then I think this is the perfect place to start!
Child me would have loved to read about a Chinese inspired fantasy book with a magical underwater world with immortals, adventure and adorable animal companions. Zhi Ging is a character that I would’ve been able to relate to and see someone like myself in a book.
Firstly, I cannot get over how lyrical the writing was as there were so many passages that invoked vivid imagery of this well crafted world. So much of the magic and concepts were unique and not something I have come across before. It was so refreshing to have something new and that I had to stop and think about. It also did not read like a children’s book and is something that I think anyone at any age can enjoy. The story was fast paced and I loved our main character Zhi Ging, seeing her journey and the adventures and learning she went through.
The end portion of the book really picked up in pace and now I am eagerly awaiting news of book 2 and to see where our protagonist goes next.
Overall I highly recommend this book if you want a fantasy with lyrical writing, a new world with unique magic, or if you haven’t read any Chinese inspired fantasy before, then I think this is the perfect place to start!
January 19, 2024
Starting off the year of the dragon with such an incredible story! 🤩🐉✨ Full review coming later but really I am lost for words- I LOVED THIS BOOK
February 12, 2024
I’m very frustrated by this book, from page 1-60 it was a good book, and from page 260-344 it is a very good book, but everything in the middle is just very badly done.
Now I don’t entirely blame the author, they obviously had a vision and understood what they were trying to explain to us that unfortunately just didn’t come across on paper, however books don’t just appear, a whole team of people had to approve this and not one editor or proof reader had any questions about anything?
SO much detail is missed in this book that’s it became unbearable, what on earth were their lessons? How did anything work? How long were they even there if they had time to do three exams?
I know it’s a kids book, and bullying is always a theme, but Iridill was so unbelievably evil, and the grown ups responses to it all was also so annoying I wanted to quit this book so many times - Iridill's lies literally get Zhi Ging in trouble with the law and if she ever returns to land she can be arrested! And the teachers are so unbothered! And when Zhi Ging finally confronts her everyone blames her to the point that the only adult on her side turns his back on her?! And don’t get me started on the boat races.
Everything in this book is so blatantly unfair and unjust that I almost didn’t care about any of the outcomes.
But then the end was very good, and I could see again why anyone would bother with this book.
It’s just very frustrating that with someone giving the author proper feedback during the writing process this whole book would have been brilliant.
Now I don’t entirely blame the author, they obviously had a vision and understood what they were trying to explain to us that unfortunately just didn’t come across on paper, however books don’t just appear, a whole team of people had to approve this and not one editor or proof reader had any questions about anything?
SO much detail is missed in this book that’s it became unbearable, what on earth were their lessons? How did anything work? How long were they even there if they had time to do three exams?
I know it’s a kids book, and bullying is always a theme, but Iridill was so unbelievably evil, and the grown ups responses to it all was also so annoying I wanted to quit this book so many times - Iridill's lies literally get Zhi Ging in trouble with the law and if she ever returns to land she can be arrested! And the teachers are so unbothered! And when Zhi Ging finally confronts her everyone blames her to the point that the only adult on her side turns his back on her?! And don’t get me started on the boat races.
Everything in this book is so blatantly unfair and unjust that I almost didn’t care about any of the outcomes.
But then the end was very good, and I could see again why anyone would bother with this book.
It’s just very frustrating that with someone giving the author proper feedback during the writing process this whole book would have been brilliant.
January 10, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc for a review.
This was beautiful book that shows the authors live for the culture she grew up in with some stunning world building and amazing ideas for unique ways of magic. The jellyfish were inspired and the idea of a curse turning everyone who treated her badly bald was a beautiful image.
That being said, some of the writing is a little rough and could do with some polishing up. I enjoyed the story and hated the bully, Iridill. I look forward to finding out what happens next.
This was beautiful book that shows the authors live for the culture she grew up in with some stunning world building and amazing ideas for unique ways of magic. The jellyfish were inspired and the idea of a curse turning everyone who treated her badly bald was a beautiful image.
That being said, some of the writing is a little rough and could do with some polishing up. I enjoyed the story and hated the bully, Iridill. I look forward to finding out what happens next.
March 11, 2024
Yesssss! I have been WAITING for a new book that felt like Nevermoor, and it's finally here: a new magic school series that feels incredibly original, creative, and wondrous! It's an easy 5 stars, and I can't wait for the sequel!! Shoutout to my mom for telling me about this book after seeing a review in the School Library Journal...I hadn't even heard about it before then, but she knew I'd love it.
August 6, 2025
I loved the setting, mythology and creative conlang that was basically a mix of phonetically adjusted English creative Cantonese words given to most concepts and characters as names making for a beautiful immersion into the universe. The only thing about this book that I didn’t like was the fact that the story constantly seemed to forget that all main characters ranged in age from 11-13 years old. The treatment of those characters, literal children, upset me a lot. I cried from frustration several times. And I don’t see how this book wouldn’t upset any actual young readers and not just people like me reading children’s fantasy books to heal their inner child. Okay, what upset me?
The extremely competitive environment of the book. The trials that the students have to go through are entirely based on stupid luck and not at all on skill. The conditions under which each individual student has to pass are SUBJECTIVE TO THEIR CHARACTER making it as hard as possible for them to pass if they don’t know themselves well enough and their inner strengths and attributes, something something, mf they are 12. They have just been ripped away from their families as placed into a hostile environment much like a reality survival show, constantly pushed into “proving their worthiness of being in Hok Woh” from the point they literally just arrived. No one to turn to either because most of the tutors, the Cyo B’Ahon seem to have the mental ripeness of 12 year olds themselves. There is a severely unfair punishment culture going on in that school as well with some students being targeted and others just overlooked at the whim of those tutors. That’s crazy to me. None of the students, literal children, ever seem to get upset about anything either. They only ever worry about not being good enough or well liked enough. None of them ever cry or panic or get truly upset about things that are so painfully unjust in that school. The story does seem to forget how young they are, having them act like young adults most of the time.
And remember when I said that the trials are based on pure luck, despite the Cyo B’Ahon always saying “Best of skill to you all, a Cyo B’Ahon doesn’t believe in luck.” THEN WHY ARE NONE OF THE TRIALS FAIR? BASED ON SKILL? The students have to pass the random and potentially deadly trial (in 15 minutes time) that they know nothing about in advance, IN ORDER of being able to take the classes for the corresponding field of study. That’s like asking me to take the final exams of university at the beginning of the semester in order to pass and be able to begin studying the subjects after. Without even knowing what my subject will be. And if anything goes wrong at all, they are sent back home, memories wiped, holding a token that will blacklist them from ever being taken seriously by the magical society of that world again. Kind of harsh, don’t you think? Their memories being wiped was sold as some kind of emotional relief and mercy for the children so that they don’t remember their failure WHEN I DONT EVEN THINK THEY FAILED. My god. That was pretty infuriating to me. And I wish it could have been done with more care for the characters and their respective emotional depth. But yeah, other than that it was all very good. I will read the other parts as to see how the story will play out. And balancing emotional struggles of that many characters is very difficult, I’ve been in a position where what I’ve written left the characters looking reactive and blank.
It’s a very good story nonetheless. 4/5💫
The extremely competitive environment of the book. The trials that the students have to go through are entirely based on stupid luck and not at all on skill. The conditions under which each individual student has to pass are SUBJECTIVE TO THEIR CHARACTER making it as hard as possible for them to pass if they don’t know themselves well enough and their inner strengths and attributes, something something, mf they are 12. They have just been ripped away from their families as placed into a hostile environment much like a reality survival show, constantly pushed into “proving their worthiness of being in Hok Woh” from the point they literally just arrived. No one to turn to either because most of the tutors, the Cyo B’Ahon seem to have the mental ripeness of 12 year olds themselves. There is a severely unfair punishment culture going on in that school as well with some students being targeted and others just overlooked at the whim of those tutors. That’s crazy to me. None of the students, literal children, ever seem to get upset about anything either. They only ever worry about not being good enough or well liked enough. None of them ever cry or panic or get truly upset about things that are so painfully unjust in that school. The story does seem to forget how young they are, having them act like young adults most of the time.
And remember when I said that the trials are based on pure luck, despite the Cyo B’Ahon always saying “Best of skill to you all, a Cyo B’Ahon doesn’t believe in luck.” THEN WHY ARE NONE OF THE TRIALS FAIR? BASED ON SKILL? The students have to pass the random and potentially deadly trial (in 15 minutes time) that they know nothing about in advance, IN ORDER of being able to take the classes for the corresponding field of study. That’s like asking me to take the final exams of university at the beginning of the semester in order to pass and be able to begin studying the subjects after. Without even knowing what my subject will be. And if anything goes wrong at all, they are sent back home, memories wiped, holding a token that will blacklist them from ever being taken seriously by the magical society of that world again. Kind of harsh, don’t you think? Their memories being wiped was sold as some kind of emotional relief and mercy for the children so that they don’t remember their failure WHEN I DONT EVEN THINK THEY FAILED. My god. That was pretty infuriating to me. And I wish it could have been done with more care for the characters and their respective emotional depth. But yeah, other than that it was all very good. I will read the other parts as to see how the story will play out. And balancing emotional struggles of that many characters is very difficult, I’ve been in a position where what I’ve written left the characters looking reactive and blank.
It’s a very good story nonetheless. 4/5💫
February 7, 2024
With the Year of the Dragon rapidly approaching, it's the perfect time to read the first instalment of what promises to be an enjoyable and emotional new series! Paper Dragons combines gorgeous and whimsical writing, likeable and well-developed characters and intricate and imaginative world building steeped in traditional Chinese mythology to produce an unforgettable tale of adventure. Zhi Ging's journey from seemingly unwanted outcast to brave and noble heroine is fantastically drawn, and the fast-paced plot made me eagerly anticipant the next release in the series, which happens rarely as I generally prefer to read standalones. If I haven't already sold this book to you, it has an underwater city made of glass, jellyfish and dragon boat racing! What more could you ask for? Paper Dragons: The Fight For The Hidden Realm is a fantastic first novel which is sure to enchant readers old and young, and the perfect way to kick off the Year of the Dragon.
March 27, 2024
I have been loving middle grade fantasy lately. It's been engaging and entertaining and perfect the age, and older audience! So maybe I put a little too much faith in this one but it just didn't do it for me.
What I Liked:
It follows the same formula for middle grade fantasy. This formula is perfect for the younger audiences and why try to change that. You have a young main character who has a lot of potential but needs to learn it. You have a bully that the main character needs to deal with, and always with grace. You have quirky friends who bring out the best in the main character and create an unbreakable bond. Then finally there is a conflict that they must overcome.
What I Wanted More Of:
Story. I have a bad habit of not reading blurbs (or reading them so long ago I don't remember it when I finally get to the book). However, if you don't read the summary, you are lost in the beginning of the book. There is no explanation of anything or why. And this continues throughout the book. I never really understood the plot or the world. This really inhibited my enjoyment and I wish this was explored a little more. I didn't understand the system as well. Now I know you don't want to put *too* much detail in books meant for a younger age, but you need something. This flow of this book just seems like words strung together.
Who I Recommend This For:
I think the younger audience it was meant for will enjoy this. But those who are older and try to read with their younger friends (or family members), I don't think it'll hit quite the same. It doesn't have the same flow as Amari, Battle Dragons, Prince of Nowhere, etc. for the older audience.
*Listened to an advanced copy from Penguin Random House - I would not recommend this audiobook for younger audiences. I had to super slow down the speed (usually 1.75x and I had to slow down to 1.3x) - I think this would be better enjoyed as a physical read for the younger audience.
What I Liked:
It follows the same formula for middle grade fantasy. This formula is perfect for the younger audiences and why try to change that. You have a young main character who has a lot of potential but needs to learn it. You have a bully that the main character needs to deal with, and always with grace. You have quirky friends who bring out the best in the main character and create an unbreakable bond. Then finally there is a conflict that they must overcome.
What I Wanted More Of:
Story. I have a bad habit of not reading blurbs (or reading them so long ago I don't remember it when I finally get to the book). However, if you don't read the summary, you are lost in the beginning of the book. There is no explanation of anything or why. And this continues throughout the book. I never really understood the plot or the world. This really inhibited my enjoyment and I wish this was explored a little more. I didn't understand the system as well. Now I know you don't want to put *too* much detail in books meant for a younger age, but you need something. This flow of this book just seems like words strung together.
Who I Recommend This For:
I think the younger audience it was meant for will enjoy this. But those who are older and try to read with their younger friends (or family members), I don't think it'll hit quite the same. It doesn't have the same flow as Amari, Battle Dragons, Prince of Nowhere, etc. for the older audience.
*Listened to an advanced copy from Penguin Random House - I would not recommend this audiobook for younger audiences. I had to super slow down the speed (usually 1.75x and I had to slow down to 1.3x) - I think this would be better enjoyed as a physical read for the younger audience.
October 2, 2023
I LOVED this book! I slowly got into it and then it completely hooked me. I was hanging off every chapter and I grew to so love all the characters. The concept and story was just stunning and I’ve already said it, but I’ll say it again: I loved it!
Following Zhi Ging, we’re introduced to the world with her, of Silhouettes, mystery magic, trials and new friendships. All the elements of the story were just done so well and it made for an effortless and enjoyable read. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen and honestly had no idea how it was going to conclude!
I raced through it in a few days and now I want my own Malo. The cutest little sidekick and he made a great addition to the story. And oof, after that ending I am definitely invested and can’t wait to see how the story develops!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Following Zhi Ging, we’re introduced to the world with her, of Silhouettes, mystery magic, trials and new friendships. All the elements of the story were just done so well and it made for an effortless and enjoyable read. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen and honestly had no idea how it was going to conclude!
I raced through it in a few days and now I want my own Malo. The cutest little sidekick and he made a great addition to the story. And oof, after that ending I am definitely invested and can’t wait to see how the story develops!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
September 12, 2024
Literary Merit: 2/5 The characters for this novel felt rather flat. I didn't really understand why the characters would make the choices that they did and in some cases the choices seemed to conflict with each other. There were not any clearly developed themes. However, the setting was beautifully developed and clearly well thought-out. The plot ended in more of a cliff-hanger to setup a second book than a completion of this book.
Originality: 3.5/5 The setting was very detailed and creative, but the plot and characters felt incomplete.
Accuracy: 3/5 The plot makes sense, but the characters' decisions left me confused.
Clarity: 5/5 The plot, setting, and characters were clear and easy to follow.
Total: 13.5/20
Age Range: SLJ grades 5+, PW ages 10+, KR ages 9-13, BL grades 5-8
Originality: 3.5/5 The setting was very detailed and creative, but the plot and characters felt incomplete.
Accuracy: 3/5 The plot makes sense, but the characters' decisions left me confused.
Clarity: 5/5 The plot, setting, and characters were clear and easy to follow.
Total: 13.5/20
Age Range: SLJ grades 5+, PW ages 10+, KR ages 9-13, BL grades 5-8
situationships-and-notes
February 8, 2024A typical magical adventure story. I enjoyed the magical world. In this story, Zhi Ging must face the challenging trials set by her teachers to prove that she’s worthy of being a Silhouette or an apprentice to immortals. The story is inspired by Chinese mythology. It's a typical magical adventure story where an ordinary protagonist becomes the star of the show.
Biggest strength : The world building was great—the clouds, jelly fish system.
Weakness : But overall everything did not gel together. Some things perhaps would be developed more in the later books. The same goes for Zhi Ging—I would've liked to know her better and be really rooted in her story.
Biggest strength : The world building was great—the clouds, jelly fish system.
Weakness : But overall everything did not gel together. Some things perhaps would be developed more in the later books. The same goes for Zhi Ging—I would've liked to know her better and be really rooted in her story.
May 13, 2024
I FINALLY FINISHED IT!!! YAY!
Honestly, it might be my fault for reading a middle grade book. I was done with that sort of drama when I was the correct age to read this. It was nostalgic briefly but the 12 year old drama annoyed me.
Honestly, it might be my fault for reading a middle grade book. I was done with that sort of drama when I was the correct age to read this. It was nostalgic briefly but the 12 year old drama annoyed me.
March 9, 2024
✨BOOK TOUR✨
A 12-year-old girl wins an invitation to train as an apprentice to immortals in the first book of the new must-read magical series destined to take the world by storm —perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, Skandar, and Eragon.
Let the competition begin!
📖: Paper Dragons
🖋️: Siobhan McDermott
⭐️: 5 of 5
🗓️: 3/5/24
📚: MG fantasy, Asian mythology/fable, adventure
💬: “Hok Woh is your only home now.”
Tropes & Themes:
🐉Adorable jellyfish
🐉Hidden powers
🐉Lies and betrayal
🐉Challenges
From constantly being overlooked and rejected. Yeung Zhi Ging, has her heart set on becoming a Silhouette. To avoid the harsh reality of being sent into to the post pipe.
“So, you’re the one Fei Chui chose to protect.”
Everything changes when Zhi comes discovers the missing stone.
With mysterious powers surrounding Zhi. She finds herself under the protection at Hok Woh.
“Next time, if you want me to sit beside you, you can just ask.”
From cute jellyfish, challenges, and evil spirits lurking. Zhi finds herself between a jealous girl from back home and the odds stacked against her.
Can Zhi pass the challenges while more secrets are revealed? Will the evil spirits continue to harm villages? What will Zhi do when the survival of everyone is on her shoulders?
“Hok Woh is your only home now.”
Find out in Paper Dragons!
🐉I absolutely loved this book! First, the cover is absolutely stunning and I had one of my twins rushing me to finish so she can read the book too!🔥
The action started right away and I love the world Siobhan created! I want my own jellyfish lol I was completely shocked when we discovered who is behind the dark spirits.🤯 I did not see that coming!!! Jack is probably my favorite male character. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
🐉Blurb in the comments
Thank you @turnthepagetours for allowing me to join this tour! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
A 12-year-old girl wins an invitation to train as an apprentice to immortals in the first book of the new must-read magical series destined to take the world by storm —perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, Skandar, and Eragon.
Let the competition begin!
📖: Paper Dragons
🖋️: Siobhan McDermott
⭐️: 5 of 5
🗓️: 3/5/24
📚: MG fantasy, Asian mythology/fable, adventure
💬: “Hok Woh is your only home now.”
Tropes & Themes:
🐉Adorable jellyfish
🐉Hidden powers
🐉Lies and betrayal
🐉Challenges
From constantly being overlooked and rejected. Yeung Zhi Ging, has her heart set on becoming a Silhouette. To avoid the harsh reality of being sent into to the post pipe.
“So, you’re the one Fei Chui chose to protect.”
Everything changes when Zhi comes discovers the missing stone.
With mysterious powers surrounding Zhi. She finds herself under the protection at Hok Woh.
“Next time, if you want me to sit beside you, you can just ask.”
From cute jellyfish, challenges, and evil spirits lurking. Zhi finds herself between a jealous girl from back home and the odds stacked against her.
Can Zhi pass the challenges while more secrets are revealed? Will the evil spirits continue to harm villages? What will Zhi do when the survival of everyone is on her shoulders?
“Hok Woh is your only home now.”
Find out in Paper Dragons!
🐉I absolutely loved this book! First, the cover is absolutely stunning and I had one of my twins rushing me to finish so she can read the book too!🔥
The action started right away and I love the world Siobhan created! I want my own jellyfish lol I was completely shocked when we discovered who is behind the dark spirits.🤯 I did not see that coming!!! Jack is probably my favorite male character. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
🐉Blurb in the comments
Thank you @turnthepagetours for allowing me to join this tour! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
September 13, 2025
A girl with a mysterious past is desperate to escape a short life in a dangerous profession, but the only way seems to be joining the elite academy of immortal folks who come around to collect students every few years. But not all is as it seems, and an evil spirit is definitely trying to break into the school. But in the meantime, there are sports and exams and peer conflicts and an adorable baby duck.
So, this cover. Wow. In other news, this book is pretty much what I'd expect of a magical school facing a demon. There are a lot of cultural legends twisted up in here, and the world building is absolutely a treat. I'll be looking forward to book 2.
So, this cover. Wow. In other news, this book is pretty much what I'd expect of a magical school facing a demon. There are a lot of cultural legends twisted up in here, and the world building is absolutely a treat. I'll be looking forward to book 2.
May 7, 2024
Middle school appropriate. In a market that is becoming saturated with various different mythological versions of The Lightning Thief, this was a refreshing mythological story that is NOT a version of The Lightning Thief. The world building is fascinating and draws you in as a crucial element to the story, adding color and depth. The plot was fairly predictable but there are still so many questions about the world and the world itself is so lush that I am definitely interested in reading more.
January 13, 2024
For over a thousand years, the immortal Cyo B’Ahon have been the guardians of Wengyuen, protecting its six provinces.
Every year, the Cyo B’Ahon come scouting for their successors, and these candidates are called Silhouettes.
This book opens with 12-yo orphan, Yeung Zhi Ging, chasing after Silhouette Scout Reishi, begging him to take her.
Zhi Ging enters a complex, vividly-described world…with floating markets that travel on the cloud sea. And a school of magic, Hok Woh, that runs on a jellyfish messaging system and has dragon boat racing as sport.
Author Siobhan McDermott, born in Hong Kong to a Chinese mother, builds a highly imaginative world that you’ve got to “see” to believe.
All is not well with the Cya B’Ahon, who’re being attacked by hostile provinces who believe they’re responsible for the return of the Fui Gwai, a spirit that turns its victims into grey thralls.
This first instalment hints at Zhi Ging’s potential power, and ends with a much darker force that threatens to overwhelm. Promising start to a brand new series, looking forward to the next one!
This publishes just in time for the Year of the Dragon in mid-February and I’m grateful to @definitelybookskids for this Advance Reader Copy ❤️
Every year, the Cyo B’Ahon come scouting for their successors, and these candidates are called Silhouettes.
This book opens with 12-yo orphan, Yeung Zhi Ging, chasing after Silhouette Scout Reishi, begging him to take her.
Zhi Ging enters a complex, vividly-described world…with floating markets that travel on the cloud sea. And a school of magic, Hok Woh, that runs on a jellyfish messaging system and has dragon boat racing as sport.
Author Siobhan McDermott, born in Hong Kong to a Chinese mother, builds a highly imaginative world that you’ve got to “see” to believe.
All is not well with the Cya B’Ahon, who’re being attacked by hostile provinces who believe they’re responsible for the return of the Fui Gwai, a spirit that turns its victims into grey thralls.
This first instalment hints at Zhi Ging’s potential power, and ends with a much darker force that threatens to overwhelm. Promising start to a brand new series, looking forward to the next one!
This publishes just in time for the Year of the Dragon in mid-February and I’m grateful to @definitelybookskids for this Advance Reader Copy ❤️
February 16, 2024
I wanted to love this and there is the potential for a great premise here but the writing and world building just lets it down. There's so much info dumping and presumptions that readers will just catch on. I find this particularly surprising given the age range this book is aimed at.
July 31, 2024
It would have been three stars but there was a really good plot twist.
November 24, 2024
Loved the writing and the characters! The fantasy world and magical powers were so so cool, it was an amazing read!
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
May 21, 2025
3.5/3.75 stars✨🐉
June 1, 2024
Between 4-4.5* stars from me.
I really enjoyed Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm by Siohan McDermott as I loved read reading about the spirit and spiritual side of this book.
I really enjoyed Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm by Siohan McDermott as I loved read reading about the spirit and spiritual side of this book.
March 18, 2024
What. A. DELIGHT! I have always loved dragon books and mythology combined in one book and I always wlhave this certain level of expectations when it comes to this kind of books. When I say I was delighted reading this, it means I was transported to this wonderful, unobstructed, imaginative world of adventure and emotional rollercoaster 🫠 It was such a magical treat to find a book like this, much so well constructed plot💕
January 23, 2024
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review
I was drawn to the book by it's cover. The amazing dragon who looked half like a ghost and half as if he was made of gold ...and the girl he was wrapped around as she stood high in the mountain surrounded by mists.
I had to know and then I read the blurb here we are . We meet that young woman, Zhi Ging, trying to do something she knows she shouldn't.
But as an outcaste in the village she calls home she only wants to be accepted. To finally find her place and maybe learn about her past. To do this she is desperate to become a Silhouette.
But even as she gets her wish things are not easy and not all is as it seems in the beautiful underwater city Hok Woh.
This story is a hero's journey. It's filled with wonder and magic and lore. I have truely adored this read and can't wait to see what happens next. This is one to watch!
I was drawn to the book by it's cover. The amazing dragon who looked half like a ghost and half as if he was made of gold ...and the girl he was wrapped around as she stood high in the mountain surrounded by mists.
I had to know and then I read the blurb here we are . We meet that young woman, Zhi Ging, trying to do something she knows she shouldn't.
But as an outcaste in the village she calls home she only wants to be accepted. To finally find her place and maybe learn about her past. To do this she is desperate to become a Silhouette.
But even as she gets her wish things are not easy and not all is as it seems in the beautiful underwater city Hok Woh.
This story is a hero's journey. It's filled with wonder and magic and lore. I have truely adored this read and can't wait to see what happens next. This is one to watch!
June 22, 2024
A good read!
November 13, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
A baby is dropped off with Aapau in Fei Chui, a village of Glassmiths. Aapau names her Zhi Ging, and raises her until she is sent away for her Final Year on a roaming pagoda. Sadly, this happens on the same day that Zhi Ging is supposed to take her test for being chosen as a Silhouette. She would be able to train in Hok Woh, learning the skills to become an immortal Cyo B'Ahon. Instead, the lead Glassmith's daughter, Iridill, is chosen. Zhi Ging begs Reishi to take her instead, hoping that by finding his missing stone, he will agree. If she doesn't go to the school, she could end up scrubbing the post pipes that carry messages back and forth, a job which has a high mortality rate. When strange things happen to Zhi Ging, who previously didn't have magic, Reishi has to change his mind, especially when she seems to manifest air rails that he has been researching for a long time. The people of Fei Chui think that Zhi Ging has summoned the evil spirit, the Fui Gwai, and the Thralls who work for the spirit, and issue a warrant for her arrest. Luckily, she is safe at the school, where she learns about the twelve challenges that students have to pass in order to remain enrolled. She makes some good friends who help her ward off Iridill, and she has some good success in the challenges, but when the Fui Gwai kidnaps that Silhouettes, Zhi Ging is the only one left to find her classmates and release them. In doing so, she finds hidden powers and learns secrets about her past. This puts her in danger, and the ending of the book leaves room for a sequel.
Strengths: There's a lot of good world building, with underwater message systems, trained jelly fish, and a school for Chosen Ones filled with magical classes, good food, and dark secrets. Zhi Ging has a lot of motivation to get into the school and stay there, and a lot of family drama in her background that slowly comes to light. Iridill is a nasty nemesis who makes Zhi Ging's life miserable and gives her even more motivation to succeed. Reishi is a good mentor, and helps her out a lot. There are plenty of good magical details and objects to keep the reader amused.
Weaknesses: The names did not seem to always go together, and I wasn't quite sure what cultural background Zhi Ging is supposed to have. The author was raised in Hong Kong, and there's a definite Pan Asian feel, but then there is a Jack and a Gertie, which was confusing. I also didn't care for the scrying tool named DandelEyeOn. Reminded me of the computer software to see what students were doing on their computers called SychronEyes.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who need more magical academy books like Clare and Black's The Iron Trial, Thomas' Nic Blake and the Remarkables, or Sanders's Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew .
A baby is dropped off with Aapau in Fei Chui, a village of Glassmiths. Aapau names her Zhi Ging, and raises her until she is sent away for her Final Year on a roaming pagoda. Sadly, this happens on the same day that Zhi Ging is supposed to take her test for being chosen as a Silhouette. She would be able to train in Hok Woh, learning the skills to become an immortal Cyo B'Ahon. Instead, the lead Glassmith's daughter, Iridill, is chosen. Zhi Ging begs Reishi to take her instead, hoping that by finding his missing stone, he will agree. If she doesn't go to the school, she could end up scrubbing the post pipes that carry messages back and forth, a job which has a high mortality rate. When strange things happen to Zhi Ging, who previously didn't have magic, Reishi has to change his mind, especially when she seems to manifest air rails that he has been researching for a long time. The people of Fei Chui think that Zhi Ging has summoned the evil spirit, the Fui Gwai, and the Thralls who work for the spirit, and issue a warrant for her arrest. Luckily, she is safe at the school, where she learns about the twelve challenges that students have to pass in order to remain enrolled. She makes some good friends who help her ward off Iridill, and she has some good success in the challenges, but when the Fui Gwai kidnaps that Silhouettes, Zhi Ging is the only one left to find her classmates and release them. In doing so, she finds hidden powers and learns secrets about her past. This puts her in danger, and the ending of the book leaves room for a sequel.
Strengths: There's a lot of good world building, with underwater message systems, trained jelly fish, and a school for Chosen Ones filled with magical classes, good food, and dark secrets. Zhi Ging has a lot of motivation to get into the school and stay there, and a lot of family drama in her background that slowly comes to light. Iridill is a nasty nemesis who makes Zhi Ging's life miserable and gives her even more motivation to succeed. Reishi is a good mentor, and helps her out a lot. There are plenty of good magical details and objects to keep the reader amused.
Weaknesses: The names did not seem to always go together, and I wasn't quite sure what cultural background Zhi Ging is supposed to have. The author was raised in Hong Kong, and there's a definite Pan Asian feel, but then there is a Jack and a Gertie, which was confusing. I also didn't care for the scrying tool named DandelEyeOn. Reminded me of the computer software to see what students were doing on their computers called SychronEyes.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who need more magical academy books like Clare and Black's The Iron Trial, Thomas' Nic Blake and the Remarkables, or Sanders's Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew .
January 30, 2024
There are a lot of things to like in this fantasy series opener, from the magical school under the sea whose jellyfish carry messages and whose tutors ageshift from (apparent) middle-age to children when surprised.. I loved the Fui Gwai, the evil spirit roaming the realms and taking possession of people, particularly the failed students. The story has a lot of the tropes and beats you'd expect from a magical school fantasy: the protagonist of unknown parentage despised by all but who naturally has the most magic, the devoted quirky friends she quickly makes, and the arch-rival from her home town, a bully and a liar determined to destroy Zhi Ging even after she saves her life.
However much of the world didn't make sense to me. How students were selected for the school, what they were taught (if anything), and who or what would grant them immortality if they passed all 12 trails.. The immortals didn't seem to have a purpose in the world (I have no idea why any of the provinces would pay them a cent). They were also really uncaring. With all the resources at their disposal, they didn't even investigate the claims that the Fui Gwai existed, even when it took failed students from under their noses. They were also very unobservant, the antagonist was obvious from early on (once you learn how to spot a thrall). I couldn't picture the place Zhi Ging grew up in. She breaks into the Lead Glassmaker's office to read his post with no real purpose and despite being caught, there are no consequences. Yet the threat hanging over her because she looks different is that she will be sent to clean the postal tubes, long glass tunnels where young cleaners regularly die. With all the magic in the world, why is there no better system of cleaning them? Why does nobody object to this? The story ends in a cliff-hanger too, which was disappointing.
These things may not be an issue for most people, and I suspect future books will develop this world a lot more. The overall story arc is probably really strong, but I needed more of it in book one.
However much of the world didn't make sense to me. How students were selected for the school, what they were taught (if anything), and who or what would grant them immortality if they passed all 12 trails.. The immortals didn't seem to have a purpose in the world (I have no idea why any of the provinces would pay them a cent). They were also really uncaring. With all the resources at their disposal, they didn't even investigate the claims that the Fui Gwai existed, even when it took failed students from under their noses. They were also very unobservant, the antagonist was obvious from early on (once you learn how to spot a thrall). I couldn't picture the place Zhi Ging grew up in. She breaks into the Lead Glassmaker's office to read his post with no real purpose and despite being caught, there are no consequences. Yet the threat hanging over her because she looks different is that she will be sent to clean the postal tubes, long glass tunnels where young cleaners regularly die. With all the magic in the world, why is there no better system of cleaning them? Why does nobody object to this? The story ends in a cliff-hanger too, which was disappointing.
These things may not be an issue for most people, and I suspect future books will develop this world a lot more. The overall story arc is probably really strong, but I needed more of it in book one.
May 31, 2025
This middle-grade fiction is about an orphan girl's adventures in a training school for immortality.
As girl with unknown parentage whose guardian is no longer around, Zhi Ging's future prospect is grim, unless she gains entry into the Hok Woh a prestigious underwater school to gain immortality. But her entry as Silhouette was not selected. Undeterred, she seeks out the examiner. During this encounter, her exam papers mysteriously reassembled, and she becomes the first ever Second Silhouette of the school. But all is not perfect in the school.
There were many creative ideas in the story eg age-shifting tutors. I particularly liked the dragon boat race, which is a league race where the teams take turns racing different dragon boats, eg paper dragon, porcelain dragon, gold dragon. The materials of these boats give rise to different challenges.
Inspired by Cantonese Chinese culture, unsurprisingly, this story has many Cantonese references, from idioms to food. I have a basic understanding of Cantonese, so I was distracted a lot of the time figuring out the references, as well as other unusual names. It was only when I reached the end of the book that I realised it had a glossary explaining the names and Cantonese words used in the story. How I wished I had seen this page at the start.
If you are looking for another book series with a training school theme, check out Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
Prologue opening lines : The figure paused and glanced again at the instructions scrawled across his palm, marvelling at how small it looked how that his talons were gone. Apart from a pair of moths fluttering around the threadbare lantern, the street was deserted.
First chapter opening lines : Zhi Ging scowled up at the glass dragon blocking her way. Since when does the Lead Glassmith lock his office? Why is he making it so difficult to break in?
As girl with unknown parentage whose guardian is no longer around, Zhi Ging's future prospect is grim, unless she gains entry into the Hok Woh a prestigious underwater school to gain immortality. But her entry as Silhouette was not selected. Undeterred, she seeks out the examiner. During this encounter, her exam papers mysteriously reassembled, and she becomes the first ever Second Silhouette of the school. But all is not perfect in the school.
There were many creative ideas in the story eg age-shifting tutors. I particularly liked the dragon boat race, which is a league race where the teams take turns racing different dragon boats, eg paper dragon, porcelain dragon, gold dragon. The materials of these boats give rise to different challenges.
Inspired by Cantonese Chinese culture, unsurprisingly, this story has many Cantonese references, from idioms to food. I have a basic understanding of Cantonese, so I was distracted a lot of the time figuring out the references, as well as other unusual names. It was only when I reached the end of the book that I realised it had a glossary explaining the names and Cantonese words used in the story. How I wished I had seen this page at the start.
If you are looking for another book series with a training school theme, check out Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
Prologue opening lines : The figure paused and glanced again at the instructions scrawled across his palm, marvelling at how small it looked how that his talons were gone. Apart from a pair of moths fluttering around the threadbare lantern, the street was deserted.
First chapter opening lines : Zhi Ging scowled up at the glass dragon blocking her way. Since when does the Lead Glassmith lock his office? Why is he making it so difficult to break in?
July 10, 2024
Zhi Ging has felt like an outsider all her life. Everyone in the village of glass makers has hair that glows in the presence of dragon scales, everyone except her. She's also an orphan, and now her guardian has been sent away for her final year of life. Zhi Ging is desperate to be chosen as the village's Silhouette and go into training to be one of the immortal guardians. Little does she realize life as a Silhouette isn't easy. They have to pass challenges and go to difficult classes...and there are rumors someone is targeting them and making them disappear slowly and quietly.
This was a fun Asian magical boarding school adventure for much of the book. Zhi Ging has some interesting abilities and a past shrouded in mystery so there are secrets about her to be revealed as the book goes on (and will likely be revealed in bk 2 too). And then Zhi Ging finds out people are going missing. Rumors about a magical bad person are heard throughout the book, but then Zhi Ging starts to realize how real and serious this bad person is. The book ends with a little bit of a cliff hanger which means book 2 needs to hurry up and get released. I liked Zhi Ging's steady and loyal friends. I also liked the unique animal sidekicks in the book; she has a pet duck/ named Malo and the teachers/workers at the school have companion jellyfish who send and receive messages and things for them.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Some people are attacked and taken over with special jellyfish that make them zombie slaves. Zhi Ging pushes someone who is injured in the fall. She is punished for this.
Ethnic diversity: The world is inspired by China with touches of Irish thrown in.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified that I remember
Other: Zhi Ging has a bully who taunts and pulls mean pranks on her throughout the book.
This was a fun Asian magical boarding school adventure for much of the book. Zhi Ging has some interesting abilities and a past shrouded in mystery so there are secrets about her to be revealed as the book goes on (and will likely be revealed in bk 2 too). And then Zhi Ging finds out people are going missing. Rumors about a magical bad person are heard throughout the book, but then Zhi Ging starts to realize how real and serious this bad person is. The book ends with a little bit of a cliff hanger which means book 2 needs to hurry up and get released. I liked Zhi Ging's steady and loyal friends. I also liked the unique animal sidekicks in the book; she has a pet duck/ named Malo and the teachers/workers at the school have companion jellyfish who send and receive messages and things for them.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Some people are attacked and taken over with special jellyfish that make them zombie slaves. Zhi Ging pushes someone who is injured in the fall. She is punished for this.
Ethnic diversity: The world is inspired by China with touches of Irish thrown in.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified that I remember
Other: Zhi Ging has a bully who taunts and pulls mean pranks on her throughout the book.
March 23, 2024
Hmmm… It may seem I've finally grown out of juvenile fantasy – "Impossible Creatures" did so little for me, and now this, which starts with a heap of promise and then just goes down and down. But you could say that with the world-building at its best here and the intrigue at its strongest, this is certainly not a junior-ONLY fantasy. Other elements, however, are where that term certainly applies.
Basically what we have is a lowly girl living as a Cinderella figure in a guild of glass-smiths, who is determined to leave the people she has no blood relationship with and go to the school for immortals. Before she can do that there is a great flash of what could be done with this world, but no – the mystical chap taking her to the school is just a routine character of no interest, the school is a bonkers one with telepathic jellyfish all over the shop, and you just know the bulk of things will be an extended training montage, school dorm, bullying, yack-yack section, before anything of note comes up in time to tease Book Two.
That might make it sound there is much here than is routinely formulaic, and there isn't really – but boy I could see the potential build-up of that, and I ducked out quick. It just seemed that the glass elements were going to be under-used, the paper dragons just weren't in evidence, and what was so assuredly conveyed early on was just going to devolve into a treading-ground-at-magic-school middle third. Other reviews saying what they said about the pattern on these pages only proved me right. So I leave this with a DNF and a two stars, to hint at the not inconsiderable effort the author applied to get something this adult found himself too immune to.
Basically what we have is a lowly girl living as a Cinderella figure in a guild of glass-smiths, who is determined to leave the people she has no blood relationship with and go to the school for immortals. Before she can do that there is a great flash of what could be done with this world, but no – the mystical chap taking her to the school is just a routine character of no interest, the school is a bonkers one with telepathic jellyfish all over the shop, and you just know the bulk of things will be an extended training montage, school dorm, bullying, yack-yack section, before anything of note comes up in time to tease Book Two.
That might make it sound there is much here than is routinely formulaic, and there isn't really – but boy I could see the potential build-up of that, and I ducked out quick. It just seemed that the glass elements were going to be under-used, the paper dragons just weren't in evidence, and what was so assuredly conveyed early on was just going to devolve into a treading-ground-at-magic-school middle third. Other reviews saying what they said about the pattern on these pages only proved me right. So I leave this with a DNF and a two stars, to hint at the not inconsiderable effort the author applied to get something this adult found himself too immune to.
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