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Dragon Pearls
Fourteen-year-old Esther didn't expect much from a two-pound charity shop necklace. She definitely didn't expect a dragon.
Now that the sapphire-scaled Steady has found her, her ordinary life unravels. They fly above the clouds, uncover the truth behind the necklace, and Esther steps into a role she never expected to play—as Queen Elizabeth of the pearl dragons. But with a title comes danger, and for the first time in her life, she’s forced to run for it. Seeking sanctuary on an island filled with dragons, she finds four other royals and, together, they must take down the man determined to conquer the magical world.
A thrilling fantasy adventure written by a fourteen-year-old for fourteen-year-olds.
Now that the sapphire-scaled Steady has found her, her ordinary life unravels. They fly above the clouds, uncover the truth behind the necklace, and Esther steps into a role she never expected to play—as Queen Elizabeth of the pearl dragons. But with a title comes danger, and for the first time in her life, she’s forced to run for it. Seeking sanctuary on an island filled with dragons, she finds four other royals and, together, they must take down the man determined to conquer the magical world.
A thrilling fantasy adventure written by a fourteen-year-old for fourteen-year-olds.
- GenresFantasy
302 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2026
About the author
Deborah Rose Green
2 books10 followersDeborah Rose was fourteen when she first put pen to paper to write Dragon Pearls and, ten years later, she's a professional editor rereleasing it through Gatsby House.
After getting a First Class BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and advanced training from The Publishing Training Centre, she started work as Lead Editor of Alee Anderson Editorial and a book planner with Advantage | The Authority Company. Her fascination with language extends far beyond the page as she spends her free time volunteering as an English teacher with refugee charities and learning Mandarin Chinese from her home in northern England.
Read Dragon Pearls to witness the magic and adventure a fourteen-year-old with an avid imagination can create!
After getting a First Class BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and advanced training from The Publishing Training Centre, she started work as Lead Editor of Alee Anderson Editorial and a book planner with Advantage | The Authority Company. Her fascination with language extends far beyond the page as she spends her free time volunteering as an English teacher with refugee charities and learning Mandarin Chinese from her home in northern England.
Read Dragon Pearls to witness the magic and adventure a fourteen-year-old with an avid imagination can create!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 24, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
I enjoyed it
It was a fun read
I loved the world but wished that the characters, world building and magic system had been better fleshed out and explained more
It didn’t feel like the characters had much depth to them which started to get solved in the last few chapters of the book and again the magic system was just kind of there
I understand that there are multiple types of magic but why and what is the cost of using them,who can use them, what are their limitations and benefits .etc.
the plot was very linear and had some pacing problems but I felt like that was Starting to be solved in the last few chapters of the book
This book reminded me a lot of Keeper Of The Lost Cities or Wing Of Fire
Definitely a younger YA older Middle Grade book
But I still really enjoyed the story as a whole even if I had some issues with the pacing 😂
I would 100% say check this out if you’re looking for a fun clean read for a middle grade reader 😁
3.75 ⭐️
Language 0/10
Violence 2/10
Suggestive content/Romance 0/10
LGBT content: No
Recommended age rating: 10+
I enjoyed it
It was a fun read
I loved the world but wished that the characters, world building and magic system had been better fleshed out and explained more
It didn’t feel like the characters had much depth to them which started to get solved in the last few chapters of the book and again the magic system was just kind of there
I understand that there are multiple types of magic but why and what is the cost of using them,who can use them, what are their limitations and benefits .etc.
the plot was very linear and had some pacing problems but I felt like that was Starting to be solved in the last few chapters of the book
This book reminded me a lot of Keeper Of The Lost Cities or Wing Of Fire
Definitely a younger YA older Middle Grade book
But I still really enjoyed the story as a whole even if I had some issues with the pacing 😂
I would 100% say check this out if you’re looking for a fun clean read for a middle grade reader 😁
3.75 ⭐️
Language 0/10
Violence 2/10
Suggestive content/Romance 0/10
LGBT content: No
Recommended age rating: 10+
Read
July 8, 2026I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. :)
The blurb has this line: written by a fourteen-year-old for fourteen-year-olds. And that is a perfectly apt tagline. I was excited for this ARC because fantasy and found family? Right up my alley. Elizabeth, a.k.a. Esther, who has a boring, unhappening life until one day she picks up a pearl necklace and then a dragon starts appearing whenever she is by herself.
The one thing that is immediately visible in this story is that there are a lot of mercurial emotions here—volatile and vulnerable. One moment they’re scared, the next they’re excited at the prospect of magic. It’s a rollercoaster in that sense.
What I like:
1. Found family. Marla and Viro are older than Elizabeth and Liam, so sometimes they really feel like older siblings are looking out for the younger ones. They pool their knowledge together to defeat their common enemy.
2. Dragons. I really wish they were more involved in the story—but they are cute whenever they are in the scenes. Cute in the sense that Steady, MC’s dragon, nuzzles against her palm or legs, whenever she is feeling down.
3. Powers. To be specific, I like how the powers each have some consequence. One of the characters can heal people, but they also feel the pain; for instance, if someone’s got a terrible headache, they're going to feel it too. In other words, it increased the stakes just a bit more. Because if someone experiences excruciation mid-fight, this character is going to suffer, too.
4. Liam. I like Liam. I may have wanted to shake him at some point for telling MC to not go near danger, again and again. But he is like the single character who has positivity bursting through the seams of his hoodie—scared as he may feel.
5. I also like that they’re kind of travelling between Opscurio, the mystical dragon island, and the real world countries for clues at some point. The little bit of contrast, going from a world full of nature back to the world of technology.
There are a few moments that I absolutely adore, some of them are:
This moment when MC leaves her home, in hopes of keeping her family safe and away from being tangled into the schemes of the villain. I love how raw this moment felt about her dilemma.
This little bit of exchange is pretty much their dynamic. And I’d laughed, because I agree, grass.
And this is from the epilogue. At this point, they’d been able to speak directly into each other’s minds/hear each other’s thoughts. Look at them, the comforting, lighthearted dynamic. It’s so wholesome.
What made me suspend my disbelief:
1. Personally, MC reads like she might have a skeptical personality. But throughout the book, she trusts people easily. There’s this scene in the beginning where Gretel, the shopkeeper who sold MC the pearls,
2. There were moments when the characters broke free from their idiolects. A royal suddenly giving up verbosity and using “yep,” or “duh.” But their personalities stay intact, mostly, so this is more of a minor gripe. Their dynamics are fun to read about!
3. Some emotions are not dived into enough. For instance, the feeling of homesickness was quickly forgotten by the MC. Sure, she is on the run, and her priority is to stay alive. But she is immediately accepting of her role as a Dragon Queen, feeling the need to protect her tribe and people, though given that a lot of that initially comes from finding all of this cool.
An adventure, a discovery, a found family—the core of this story. It’s fairly fast-paced, too. All in all, I think this book would be perfectly loved by its target audience.
The blurb has this line: written by a fourteen-year-old for fourteen-year-olds. And that is a perfectly apt tagline. I was excited for this ARC because fantasy and found family? Right up my alley. Elizabeth, a.k.a. Esther, who has a boring, unhappening life until one day she picks up a pearl necklace and then a dragon starts appearing whenever she is by herself.
The one thing that is immediately visible in this story is that there are a lot of mercurial emotions here—volatile and vulnerable. One moment they’re scared, the next they’re excited at the prospect of magic. It’s a rollercoaster in that sense.
What I like:
1. Found family. Marla and Viro are older than Elizabeth and Liam, so sometimes they really feel like older siblings are looking out for the younger ones. They pool their knowledge together to defeat their common enemy.
2. Dragons. I really wish they were more involved in the story—but they are cute whenever they are in the scenes. Cute in the sense that Steady, MC’s dragon, nuzzles against her palm or legs, whenever she is feeling down.
3. Powers. To be specific, I like how the powers each have some consequence. One of the characters can heal people, but they also feel the pain; for instance, if someone’s got a terrible headache, they're going to feel it too. In other words, it increased the stakes just a bit more. Because if someone experiences excruciation mid-fight, this character is going to suffer, too.
4. Liam. I like Liam. I may have wanted to shake him at some point for telling MC to not go near danger, again and again. But he is like the single character who has positivity bursting through the seams of his hoodie—scared as he may feel.
5. I also like that they’re kind of travelling between Opscurio, the mystical dragon island, and the real world countries for clues at some point. The little bit of contrast, going from a world full of nature back to the world of technology.
There are a few moments that I absolutely adore, some of them are:
This moment when MC leaves her home, in hopes of keeping her family safe and away from being tangled into the schemes of the villain. I love how raw this moment felt about her dilemma.
I was going to a land they couldn’t access so even if I died, they’d never find me. I would never see them again. Tears pricked my eyes, but I was determined not to cry. How could I grieve for them when they were safe? I wasn’t.
This little bit of exchange is pretty much their dynamic. And I’d laughed, because I agree, grass.
It had been ages since I’d eaten chocolate, and I tore it open on our way out of the shop. It turned out to be an alarming green.
‘Green tea,’ Marla assured me.
But behind her back, Liam mouthed, ‘Grass.’
And this is from the epilogue. At this point, they’d been able to speak directly into each other’s minds/hear each other’s thoughts. Look at them, the comforting, lighthearted dynamic. It’s so wholesome.
I felt completely alone.
How are you alone? It was Liam.
I couldn’t help but smile. Stop listening.
But then you really would be alone.
What made me suspend my disbelief:
1. Personally, MC reads like she might have a skeptical personality. But throughout the book, she trusts people easily. There’s this scene in the beginning where Gretel, the shopkeeper who sold MC the pearls,
2. There were moments when the characters broke free from their idiolects. A royal suddenly giving up verbosity and using “yep,” or “duh.” But their personalities stay intact, mostly, so this is more of a minor gripe. Their dynamics are fun to read about!
3. Some emotions are not dived into enough. For instance, the feeling of homesickness was quickly forgotten by the MC. Sure, she is on the run, and her priority is to stay alive. But she is immediately accepting of her role as a Dragon Queen, feeling the need to protect her tribe and people, though given that a lot of that initially comes from finding all of this cool.
An adventure, a discovery, a found family—the core of this story. It’s fairly fast-paced, too. All in all, I think this book would be perfectly loved by its target audience.
August 1, 2026
The back of the novel states that Dragon Pearls is a fantasy adventure novel written by a fourteen-year-old for fourteen-year-olds. While this is true, this book is so much more than that. It is a time capsule of every urge I had to fly away with dragons at 14, and a love letter to what makes middle-grade fantasy so special. It is filled with friendship, dreams, and all the magic and dragons that drew me into genre in the first place. 14-year-old me would have adored this novel, but at the age I am now, I love it more for the nostalgia reading it brings. The 14-year-old voice is authentic throughout and refined with the expertise Deborah has in her professional life now.
It begins with Esther, a 14-year-old girl who finds a pearl necklace in a charity shop. This old necklace brings her the company of a dragon, new friends, and high-stakes danger. She learns that she is now Queen of the pearl dragons, and she is swept off into a new world that is exciting as it is perilous, but she is not facing the dangers alone. She has four other royals with her in this journey, and together they plan to stop a man trying to conquer this magical world.
There are no slow parts to this novel. The stakes of the world are introduced right away, and it keeps you turning the page for more. Yet, there is still enough time with the characters and group dynamics to understand why the group has such camaraderie. Last of all, there are dragons!! I am a firm believer that all fantasy books should contain dragons, so if you are not sold on this book yet, you should be. It is a wonderful story of found family, newfound responsibility, world-saving, and adventure. It is a must-buy for any young fantasy readers, and those like me who want to go back to their roots.
It begins with Esther, a 14-year-old girl who finds a pearl necklace in a charity shop. This old necklace brings her the company of a dragon, new friends, and high-stakes danger. She learns that she is now Queen of the pearl dragons, and she is swept off into a new world that is exciting as it is perilous, but she is not facing the dangers alone. She has four other royals with her in this journey, and together they plan to stop a man trying to conquer this magical world.
There are no slow parts to this novel. The stakes of the world are introduced right away, and it keeps you turning the page for more. Yet, there is still enough time with the characters and group dynamics to understand why the group has such camaraderie. Last of all, there are dragons!! I am a firm believer that all fantasy books should contain dragons, so if you are not sold on this book yet, you should be. It is a wonderful story of found family, newfound responsibility, world-saving, and adventure. It is a must-buy for any young fantasy readers, and those like me who want to go back to their roots.
August 1, 2026
I had the amazing opportunity to read this book. It’s fun, it has dragons, and friendships that build along the way.
I really enjoyed the story, I cried with characters, I laughed with them, I help my breath with them in these moments.
I struggled to get into it in the beginning but once I was in, I was in. I could see the world the characters were in like I was there with them.
If you want something fun and light hearted I highly recommend! And if you don’t, I still recommend it because, come on, it has dragons!!!
Thank you Deborah Rose Green for giving me the opportunity to enjoy your wonderful book!!
I really enjoyed the story, I cried with characters, I laughed with them, I help my breath with them in these moments.
I struggled to get into it in the beginning but once I was in, I was in. I could see the world the characters were in like I was there with them.
If you want something fun and light hearted I highly recommend! And if you don’t, I still recommend it because, come on, it has dragons!!!
Thank you Deborah Rose Green for giving me the opportunity to enjoy your wonderful book!!
August 1, 2026
Thank you Deborah for the ARC copy of your book Dragon Pearls! This book is a fantastic fantasy adventure with dragons and mystery and danger. This was a great read and perfect for young readers!
August 6, 2026
Dragon Pearls by Deborah Rose is a wonderful fantasy tale, written when the author was just 14 years old and aimed at teen and young adult readers. The story is beautifully written and perfectly captures the innocence of youth, although I am an adult reader at no time did I feel like the book was too childish to be able to enjoy and appreciate.
The world building and character arcs are impressive and the work Deborah has put into the re-release is outstanding.
I cant wait to share this story with my nieces and hopefully it shows them that no matter what, if you work hard and believe in yourself you can achieve your dreams.
The world building and character arcs are impressive and the work Deborah has put into the re-release is outstanding.
I cant wait to share this story with my nieces and hopefully it shows them that no matter what, if you work hard and believe in yourself you can achieve your dreams.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Perfect for readers who love:
🐉 Dragon companions
✨ Portal fantasy
👑 Reluctant royalty
🤍 Found family
🗺️ Fast-paced adventures
📚 Middle Grade & younger YA fantasy
Thank you to Deborah Rose Green for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dragon Pearls is exactly what it promises to be, a fantasy adventure written by a fourteen-year-old, for readers around that age.
The premise begins with a charity shop pearl necklace and quickly spirals into dragons, hidden kingdoms, ancient magic, and a reluctant fourteen-year-old discovering she's the Queen of the Pearl Dragons. It's the kind of premise my younger self would've devoured without coming up for air.
The highlight of this book is undoubtedly its heart. Beneath the dragons and magical quests is a story about courage, friendship, and finding confidence when you're suddenly asked to carry responsibilities far bigger than yourself. The found family dynamic between Esther, Liam, Marla, and Viro was easily my favourite part of the novel. They genuinely feel like a group of teenagers trying to navigate an impossible situation together, and their quieter moments of banter and support often stood out more than the action itself.
And, of course, the dragons. Every interaction reminded me why dragon companions remain one of fantasy's most lovable tropes.
The world itself is imaginative and accessible, making it easy for younger readers to immerse themselves without feeling overwhelmed. The contrast between Esther's ordinary life and the hidden magical realm creates a sense of wonder that captures the classic "what if magic was real?" feeling many of us grew up imagining.
Though the pacing keeps the story moving at an enjoyable speed, it occasionally moves too quickly. Emotional moments, especially Esther leaving her family behind and adjusting to becoming a queen, sometimes resolve before they're given enough room to breathe. A little more time spent exploring those emotions would've made the character growth feel even more rewarding.
The characters themselves are likeable, and they're intentionally written with the emotional immediacy of young teenagers. Younger readers may find that simplicity refreshing, while other older readers looking for morally grey characters or intricate political fantasy may find themselves wanting more nuance.
I also think it's important to approach this book with the right expectations. If you're searching for a sprawling epic with complex world-building, intricate magic systems, and layered political intrigue, this probably isn't the book you're looking for. But if you're looking for a wholesome, fast-paced fantasy that captures the excitement of discovering dragons for the very first time, Dragon Pearls absolutely succeeds.
For me, this felt like a palate cleanser, a light, comforting adventure between heavier reads. It's wonderfully earnest, and carries the kind of youthful imagination that reminded me why I fell in love with fantasy in the first place.
🐉 Dragon companions
✨ Portal fantasy
👑 Reluctant royalty
🤍 Found family
🗺️ Fast-paced adventures
📚 Middle Grade & younger YA fantasy
Thank you to Deborah Rose Green for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dragon Pearls is exactly what it promises to be, a fantasy adventure written by a fourteen-year-old, for readers around that age.
The premise begins with a charity shop pearl necklace and quickly spirals into dragons, hidden kingdoms, ancient magic, and a reluctant fourteen-year-old discovering she's the Queen of the Pearl Dragons. It's the kind of premise my younger self would've devoured without coming up for air.
The highlight of this book is undoubtedly its heart. Beneath the dragons and magical quests is a story about courage, friendship, and finding confidence when you're suddenly asked to carry responsibilities far bigger than yourself. The found family dynamic between Esther, Liam, Marla, and Viro was easily my favourite part of the novel. They genuinely feel like a group of teenagers trying to navigate an impossible situation together, and their quieter moments of banter and support often stood out more than the action itself.
And, of course, the dragons. Every interaction reminded me why dragon companions remain one of fantasy's most lovable tropes.
The world itself is imaginative and accessible, making it easy for younger readers to immerse themselves without feeling overwhelmed. The contrast between Esther's ordinary life and the hidden magical realm creates a sense of wonder that captures the classic "what if magic was real?" feeling many of us grew up imagining.
Though the pacing keeps the story moving at an enjoyable speed, it occasionally moves too quickly. Emotional moments, especially Esther leaving her family behind and adjusting to becoming a queen, sometimes resolve before they're given enough room to breathe. A little more time spent exploring those emotions would've made the character growth feel even more rewarding.
The characters themselves are likeable, and they're intentionally written with the emotional immediacy of young teenagers. Younger readers may find that simplicity refreshing, while other older readers looking for morally grey characters or intricate political fantasy may find themselves wanting more nuance.
I also think it's important to approach this book with the right expectations. If you're searching for a sprawling epic with complex world-building, intricate magic systems, and layered political intrigue, this probably isn't the book you're looking for. But if you're looking for a wholesome, fast-paced fantasy that captures the excitement of discovering dragons for the very first time, Dragon Pearls absolutely succeeds.
For me, this felt like a palate cleanser, a light, comforting adventure between heavier reads. It's wonderfully earnest, and carries the kind of youthful imagination that reminded me why I fell in love with fantasy in the first place.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finally, a main character with the same name as me! Kind of...
But that's not the only reason I gave this book five stars, so let's get into it.
I've seen some other reviews on here that criticise the way it reads like a child has written it, but in my opinion, that's what sets this story aside from other middle-grade novels. It has a thorough and authentic way of transporting the back to your own daydreams when you were fourteen. It's the epitome of the old imagining: what if I was just whisked away to another world right at this very moment? The beginning felt so natural and nostalgic that it made the sudden shift to a fantasy setting even more special and immersive. And the build up of anticipation gets you instantly hooked - I finished the book in just two days!
The fantasy world of Romira was so refreshing, with politics and conflicts that were easy to follow along with but still complex enough to add to the story. It really gave the feel that the land existed alongside our own boring world and made the MCs journey there so much more exciting. I loved the whimsical nature of all of the different creatures and groups in Romira, with their place and history in the world-building. And, of course, the dragons that really catch your attention in the description of this book. Unlike the militant, dark dragons that seem to be everywhere at the moment, these ones remind me more of the dragons in How to Train Your Dragon - unique from each other and with personalities of their own. It's so easy to picture them as you're reading and imagine flying around the skies on them.
I really loved the different characters and the unique roles they played in the very MC-centred storyline. Liam was my favourite, hilariously chilled and the perfect counter to the MC's (understandably) stressy nature. It feels like their dynamic is no-nonsense but tied together by a bond stronger than just being forced to work together.
Despite the selling point of this booking being a fourteen year old's story, there are also elements that give it a depth that older ages can appreciate. The realisation that the story isn't playing around with the threat of danger and dying hits especially strong. The narrative doesn't move on and forget the characters grief, but uses it to make them stronger and more relatable.
An especially cool touch was the Classical Latin inspired names and language - where my classical Latin uni module comes in handy!
Overall, I give Dragon Pearls five stars because it's exactly what I wanted and expected - a story written by a fourteen year old, for fourteen year olds, with the essence of life at that age that is expertly presented. I'm so pleased that this book has been given the launch the author deserved the years ago!
But that's not the only reason I gave this book five stars, so let's get into it.
I've seen some other reviews on here that criticise the way it reads like a child has written it, but in my opinion, that's what sets this story aside from other middle-grade novels. It has a thorough and authentic way of transporting the back to your own daydreams when you were fourteen. It's the epitome of the old imagining: what if I was just whisked away to another world right at this very moment? The beginning felt so natural and nostalgic that it made the sudden shift to a fantasy setting even more special and immersive. And the build up of anticipation gets you instantly hooked - I finished the book in just two days!
The fantasy world of Romira was so refreshing, with politics and conflicts that were easy to follow along with but still complex enough to add to the story. It really gave the feel that the land existed alongside our own boring world and made the MCs journey there so much more exciting. I loved the whimsical nature of all of the different creatures and groups in Romira, with their place and history in the world-building. And, of course, the dragons that really catch your attention in the description of this book. Unlike the militant, dark dragons that seem to be everywhere at the moment, these ones remind me more of the dragons in How to Train Your Dragon - unique from each other and with personalities of their own. It's so easy to picture them as you're reading and imagine flying around the skies on them.
I really loved the different characters and the unique roles they played in the very MC-centred storyline. Liam was my favourite, hilariously chilled and the perfect counter to the MC's (understandably) stressy nature. It feels like their dynamic is no-nonsense but tied together by a bond stronger than just being forced to work together.
Despite the selling point of this booking being a fourteen year old's story, there are also elements that give it a depth that older ages can appreciate. The realisation that the story isn't playing around with the threat of danger and dying hits especially strong. The narrative doesn't move on and forget the characters grief, but uses it to make them stronger and more relatable.
An especially cool touch was the Classical Latin inspired names and language - where my classical Latin uni module comes in handy!
Overall, I give Dragon Pearls five stars because it's exactly what I wanted and expected - a story written by a fourteen year old, for fourteen year olds, with the essence of life at that age that is expertly presented. I'm so pleased that this book has been given the launch the author deserved the years ago!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As all books, this one also has good parts and not as good parts.
The premise of the book sets the tone and expectation: "A fantasy adventure written by a fourteen-year-old FOR fourteen-year-olds". The plot was nice, simple, easy to follow, very "from point A to point B". Esther (later named Elizabeth) buys a pearl necklace at a charity shop and that lands her a connection to a dragon, an entry to an entire hidden magic world and a promise for adventures, quests and unlikely friendships. The pacing of the book was fast, with little development or inflection, which makes it easy to follow for any 10-14 year old who wants to try fantasy. Congrats to the author for giving teenagers a voice in the literary world.
Now on the things that I didn't particularly enjoy. First of all, I understand that I am not the target audience for this book. It is meant for younger readers, for those who don't know where to start their Fantasy adventures and while I do understand this, it was also difficult for me to relate or follow the narrative voice. When almost every single sentence starts with "I" or "my", when every single plot line is resolved by someone saying it or providing the resources out of thin air, the story loses its dynamic and my interest plummets. When the FMC's main accomplishment is that she is the main character, you can see and hear and read the voice of teenagers in it. While I do admire the author's determination to respect her younger voice, I still believe you can write amazing books and do stories justice without making it a teenage day-dream where everything gets resolved because the main characters wants it or needs it.
In the span of 250 pages, our FMC discovers dragons, magic, leaves her family, learns everything she needs to learn, becomes queen, travels the world, defeats evil, and fixes every single problem the tribe had for centuries. Why? Because she's a teenager and that's what teenagers think at 14 about themselves. Good for them, not so good for my reading experience.
Overall, if you're looking for a genre breaking fantasy book or a literary masterpiece, this might not be for you. But if you're looking for a nice present to gift your younger cousins or nieces to help them get into reading, I suggest you give this one a try.
The premise of the book sets the tone and expectation: "A fantasy adventure written by a fourteen-year-old FOR fourteen-year-olds". The plot was nice, simple, easy to follow, very "from point A to point B". Esther (later named Elizabeth) buys a pearl necklace at a charity shop and that lands her a connection to a dragon, an entry to an entire hidden magic world and a promise for adventures, quests and unlikely friendships. The pacing of the book was fast, with little development or inflection, which makes it easy to follow for any 10-14 year old who wants to try fantasy. Congrats to the author for giving teenagers a voice in the literary world.
Now on the things that I didn't particularly enjoy. First of all, I understand that I am not the target audience for this book. It is meant for younger readers, for those who don't know where to start their Fantasy adventures and while I do understand this, it was also difficult for me to relate or follow the narrative voice. When almost every single sentence starts with "I" or "my", when every single plot line is resolved by someone saying it or providing the resources out of thin air, the story loses its dynamic and my interest plummets. When the FMC's main accomplishment is that she is the main character, you can see and hear and read the voice of teenagers in it. While I do admire the author's determination to respect her younger voice, I still believe you can write amazing books and do stories justice without making it a teenage day-dream where everything gets resolved because the main characters wants it or needs it.
In the span of 250 pages, our FMC discovers dragons, magic, leaves her family, learns everything she needs to learn, becomes queen, travels the world, defeats evil, and fixes every single problem the tribe had for centuries. Why? Because she's a teenager and that's what teenagers think at 14 about themselves. Good for them, not so good for my reading experience.
Overall, if you're looking for a genre breaking fantasy book or a literary masterpiece, this might not be for you. But if you're looking for a nice present to gift your younger cousins or nieces to help them get into reading, I suggest you give this one a try.
August 6, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️/3 | clean read <3
This was provided to me as an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Deborah!
This book perfectly encapsulates one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes: "...some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again."
Dragon Pearls has done exactly this, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to read such an inspiring book! Elizabeth was, if anything, a typical fourteen-year-old girl, and I found myself smiling at moments when she reacted exactly how my younger self would have. The cast of characters was engaging, sweet, and incredibly lovable.
As a (self-identifying) Quartz dragon myself, I loved Marla's "older sister" role. There is a severe lack of these characters in YA, and Rose writes her perfectly: she is a guiding hand, but still demonstrates the naivete that a young woman her age would naturally have. Liam was hilarious and endearing, and would have stolen the show if it wasn't for my personal favorite, Viro (iykyk).
But of course, how could I forget the dragons? The author did an excellent job of giving them charming, unique personalities while still maintaining an air of mystery. Oscar, in particular, was utterly adorable.
It was clear that this was written by a young girl through the writing style and immaturity of the main character, but that was to be somewhat expected (as the book is marketed as such). Elizabeth's actions were not always the most logical and her emotions often got the best of her.
The plot and world-building were both integrated rather abruptly, which is the biggest reason for the removal of a star. The dialogue, too, I found to be a bit choppy. However, I understand the author's hesitance to change what is so clearly her childhood novel. Too many alterations, and the book would lose its authenticity and individual voice.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book! I'm so excited for the next, and especially grateful for the opportunity to be on the ARC team!
🌶️/3 | clean read <3
This was provided to me as an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Deborah!
This book perfectly encapsulates one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes: "...some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again."
Dragon Pearls has done exactly this, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to read such an inspiring book! Elizabeth was, if anything, a typical fourteen-year-old girl, and I found myself smiling at moments when she reacted exactly how my younger self would have. The cast of characters was engaging, sweet, and incredibly lovable.
As a (self-identifying) Quartz dragon myself, I loved Marla's "older sister" role. There is a severe lack of these characters in YA, and Rose writes her perfectly: she is a guiding hand, but still demonstrates the naivete that a young woman her age would naturally have. Liam was hilarious and endearing, and would have stolen the show if it wasn't for my personal favorite, Viro (iykyk).
But of course, how could I forget the dragons? The author did an excellent job of giving them charming, unique personalities while still maintaining an air of mystery. Oscar, in particular, was utterly adorable.
It was clear that this was written by a young girl through the writing style and immaturity of the main character, but that was to be somewhat expected (as the book is marketed as such). Elizabeth's actions were not always the most logical and her emotions often got the best of her.
The plot and world-building were both integrated rather abruptly, which is the biggest reason for the removal of a star. The dialogue, too, I found to be a bit choppy. However, I understand the author's hesitance to change what is so clearly her childhood novel. Too many alterations, and the book would lose its authenticity and individual voice.
All in all, I absolutely loved this book! I'm so excited for the next, and especially grateful for the opportunity to be on the ARC team!
August 8, 2026
A huge thank you to Deborah Rose for sending me an arc copy of this lovely book! I am honored to be a part of the team!
This was such a beautiful, whimsical coming of age story! This book truly is a perfect representation of my childhood reading experience. I think this would have been one of my absolute favorites when I was a young teen, although I still very much enjoyed it as an adult. It delivered the magic and encompassed the dreams that I had as a fourteen year old, and I love that it is mostly preserved in its original form (written by the lovely author at fourteen). I think that made it so much more authentic and relatable, creating a perfect connection to those of us that dreamed another world would appear and whisk us away from reality. I appreciated that the change was so dramatic, between our world and Romira, we are immediately thrown into the fray while Elizabeth is learning everything herself.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between all of the characters. They are true to their age and respond as such, something that I absolutely appreciated. It was lovely to see how much they each grow in their own right, while still having so much to learn. Elizabeth and Liam have a wonderful friendship and balance each other very well, while Marla and Viro are more quarrelsome. I love how different they all are, and how they are finding a new family together. I can't wait to see how they progress in the future. The dragons of course are wonderful! They are described so well and I can't help but see them as I'm reading. The bond between them and their riders is such a fun aspect and I enjoyed reading about it. I also love the the concept of the royals and how they come to be.
Overall all this was such a magical, enjoyable read. It is quick and easy, yet filled with relatable, realistic characters, and a beautiful world I would love to see. There are some very emotional moments, and the plot itself is fast paced and exciting. It's perfect for younger readers as well, and I had to grab a copy for one in my family!
This was such a beautiful, whimsical coming of age story! This book truly is a perfect representation of my childhood reading experience. I think this would have been one of my absolute favorites when I was a young teen, although I still very much enjoyed it as an adult. It delivered the magic and encompassed the dreams that I had as a fourteen year old, and I love that it is mostly preserved in its original form (written by the lovely author at fourteen). I think that made it so much more authentic and relatable, creating a perfect connection to those of us that dreamed another world would appear and whisk us away from reality. I appreciated that the change was so dramatic, between our world and Romira, we are immediately thrown into the fray while Elizabeth is learning everything herself.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between all of the characters. They are true to their age and respond as such, something that I absolutely appreciated. It was lovely to see how much they each grow in their own right, while still having so much to learn. Elizabeth and Liam have a wonderful friendship and balance each other very well, while Marla and Viro are more quarrelsome. I love how different they all are, and how they are finding a new family together. I can't wait to see how they progress in the future. The dragons of course are wonderful! They are described so well and I can't help but see them as I'm reading. The bond between them and their riders is such a fun aspect and I enjoyed reading about it. I also love the the concept of the royals and how they come to be.
Overall all this was such a magical, enjoyable read. It is quick and easy, yet filled with relatable, realistic characters, and a beautiful world I would love to see. There are some very emotional moments, and the plot itself is fast paced and exciting. It's perfect for younger readers as well, and I had to grab a copy for one in my family!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A magical dragon adventure perfect for younger fantasy readers
Dragon Pearls was an absolute delight to read. What starts with a seemingly ordinary £2 charity shop necklace quickly turns into a magical adventure filled with dragons, hidden worlds, friendship and bravery.
When Esther discovers that the necklace has led the sapphire-scaled dragon Steady to her, she is thrust into a world she never knew existed. Learning that she is the Queen of the Pearl Dragons, Esther must embrace her destiny, join forces with four other young royals and stand against a villain determined to conquer the magical realm.
The story is imaginative, fast-paced and full of heart. Deborah Rose has created a wonderful cast of dragons and characters that are easy to become invested in, and the world-building is accessible without ever feeling overwhelming.
The whole book gave me strong How to Train Your Dragon vibes, capturing the same sense of adventure, wonder and the special bond between humans and dragons. It's a story that younger readers will find exciting, but one that adults can enjoy too.
One of my favourite things about this book was how much it made me want to share it with my own 12-year-old son. It's exactly the kind of fantasy adventure I know he would love, and I can easily imagine us reading it together.
An impressive and imaginative debut, especially considering it was written by a fourteen-year-old for readers of a similar age. If you know a young fantasy fan who loves dragons, magic and exciting adventures, this is well worth picking up.
Highly recommended!
Dragon Pearls was an absolute delight to read. What starts with a seemingly ordinary £2 charity shop necklace quickly turns into a magical adventure filled with dragons, hidden worlds, friendship and bravery.
When Esther discovers that the necklace has led the sapphire-scaled dragon Steady to her, she is thrust into a world she never knew existed. Learning that she is the Queen of the Pearl Dragons, Esther must embrace her destiny, join forces with four other young royals and stand against a villain determined to conquer the magical realm.
The story is imaginative, fast-paced and full of heart. Deborah Rose has created a wonderful cast of dragons and characters that are easy to become invested in, and the world-building is accessible without ever feeling overwhelming.
The whole book gave me strong How to Train Your Dragon vibes, capturing the same sense of adventure, wonder and the special bond between humans and dragons. It's a story that younger readers will find exciting, but one that adults can enjoy too.
One of my favourite things about this book was how much it made me want to share it with my own 12-year-old son. It's exactly the kind of fantasy adventure I know he would love, and I can easily imagine us reading it together.
An impressive and imaginative debut, especially considering it was written by a fourteen-year-old for readers of a similar age. If you know a young fantasy fan who loves dragons, magic and exciting adventures, this is well worth picking up.
Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC version of this most recent publication. The unique and fun thing about this book is that the author initially wrote the story as a young teen. Her goal was to maintain the whimsy and stay true to her 14 year old self, but she has just polished this version of the book for rerelease 10 years later.
The novel follows our 14 year old heroine Esther who finds a pearl necklace at a thrift/charity shop in her hometown. This thrusts her into a world of adventure, magic, and dragons. She makes new friends along the way who help her meet the new sudden changes and challenges that she encounters. The story touches on themes of friendship ans self-discovery as the stories characters attempt to save the world from the villian.
The author Deborah Rose, through her characters, themes, and conflicts, takes the reader along on this fun adventure of self-discovery and friendship. I really appreciate how Deborah Rose has continue to keep the whimsy and imagination of her 14 year old self as this book is catered to a young reader crowd. Esther experiences challenging situations and she truly captures how a 14 year old might process all that she experiencing. I think young readers can relate to the characters. Dragon Pearls is a fun, fast-paced and engaging adventure that I think many young people can enjoy and I know the story is just beginning.
The novel follows our 14 year old heroine Esther who finds a pearl necklace at a thrift/charity shop in her hometown. This thrusts her into a world of adventure, magic, and dragons. She makes new friends along the way who help her meet the new sudden changes and challenges that she encounters. The story touches on themes of friendship ans self-discovery as the stories characters attempt to save the world from the villian.
The author Deborah Rose, through her characters, themes, and conflicts, takes the reader along on this fun adventure of self-discovery and friendship. I really appreciate how Deborah Rose has continue to keep the whimsy and imagination of her 14 year old self as this book is catered to a young reader crowd. Esther experiences challenging situations and she truly captures how a 14 year old might process all that she experiencing. I think young readers can relate to the characters. Dragon Pearls is a fun, fast-paced and engaging adventure that I think many young people can enjoy and I know the story is just beginning.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so grateful to be one of the few selected by the author to have been able to read this ARC. Thank you so much.
When I first heard about the authors reason for writing this story I was immediately on board to reading this.
The idea of finding something in a charity shop and it being a magical item is so exciting to me as I work in one and I always think what is the story behind it. And after reading this each piece of jewelry that comes in will not look the same.
The author wrote this when she was 14 and the main character is also 14 so makes sense as the author is imaginative like Esther (aka Elizabeth). Perfect for an easy read and young teens or younger.
I was never bored when I was reading this, it was always fun to see where our main character would end up next.
At first I found Liam annoying but grew to like him as the story went on as his character grew.
I will say some parts I thought happened too quickly but then some happened at a better pace (its never slow which I throughly liked).
Also, bonus DRAGONS!!! I adore the wood dragon that is called Oscar. The art that Deborah drew of her designs for the dragons back in 2016, Oscar remind me of Elliot from Petes Dragon. He is just so sweet and he also is in the book.
Thank you again, for letting me read this for a honest review. Looking forward for any other books you will write😄
When I first heard about the authors reason for writing this story I was immediately on board to reading this.
The idea of finding something in a charity shop and it being a magical item is so exciting to me as I work in one and I always think what is the story behind it. And after reading this each piece of jewelry that comes in will not look the same.
The author wrote this when she was 14 and the main character is also 14 so makes sense as the author is imaginative like Esther (aka Elizabeth). Perfect for an easy read and young teens or younger.
I was never bored when I was reading this, it was always fun to see where our main character would end up next.
At first I found Liam annoying but grew to like him as the story went on as his character grew.
I will say some parts I thought happened too quickly but then some happened at a better pace (its never slow which I throughly liked).
Also, bonus DRAGONS!!! I adore the wood dragon that is called Oscar. The art that Deborah drew of her designs for the dragons back in 2016, Oscar remind me of Elliot from Petes Dragon. He is just so sweet and he also is in the book.
Thank you again, for letting me read this for a honest review. Looking forward for any other books you will write😄
July 15, 2026
I’m grateful to have received an ARC from Deborah Rose Green. Thank you for the opportunity to dive into this world early as it was a joy to explore! I’m excited to see where the story goes next.
Reading Dragon Pearls felt like stepping back into my fourteen‑year‑old self. Esther/Elizabeth’s voice was so believable that I slipped into her perspective without effort. Her reactions, her doubts, her choices… they echoed so much of what I remember from being that age, which made her journey feel personal and grounding.
The pacing is wonderfully fast without feeling rushed and I loved how the story ties up its threads neatly by the end. The growing bond between Elizabeth, Liam, Marla and even Viro adds a warm emotional core to the book. Their support becomes especially meaningful during the heavier moments and difficult decisions Elizabeth faces as queen.
The dragon bonding system is refreshingly unique. I’m hoping the next installment will dive deeper into the different dragon types, especially the disparate dragons. I’d love to see whether Elizabeth might be able to tame one. And Jeffery… I’m definitely hoping we learn more about him too.
A fast‑paced, character‑driven fantasy with heart, growth, and dragons.
Reading Dragon Pearls felt like stepping back into my fourteen‑year‑old self. Esther/Elizabeth’s voice was so believable that I slipped into her perspective without effort. Her reactions, her doubts, her choices… they echoed so much of what I remember from being that age, which made her journey feel personal and grounding.
The pacing is wonderfully fast without feeling rushed and I loved how the story ties up its threads neatly by the end. The growing bond between Elizabeth, Liam, Marla and even Viro adds a warm emotional core to the book. Their support becomes especially meaningful during the heavier moments and difficult decisions Elizabeth faces as queen.
The dragon bonding system is refreshingly unique. I’m hoping the next installment will dive deeper into the different dragon types, especially the disparate dragons. I’d love to see whether Elizabeth might be able to tame one. And Jeffery… I’m definitely hoping we learn more about him too.
A fast‑paced, character‑driven fantasy with heart, growth, and dragons.
August 16, 2026
I received this book from the author for me to review. I just want to say thanks to Deborah for giving me a copy of her book to read. I really enjoyed this book, with many fantasy there is a lot of world building and getting to know characters that has to happen in the books. I felt like especially for this novel being written by a 14 year old for 14 year olds this was very well done. It wasn't too complex for children and I think the author did a great job editing the book now as an adult. I work with children who love to read and plan on recommending this to them because it was a fun story to follow and I know they will really enjoy all the characters. I liked that we had dragons, powers, elves, quest, fairies and so much more in this book. I can't wait to read the next one and see what all will happen now that the world is built, I feel like there is so much more that can come from this first book. Overall I think it was nice that then main characters acted and thought like children and their age in the book because sometimes as readers I think we judge children hard on their actions, but forget that at one point we were like that in life. Overall this is a great YA fantasy and I can't wait to see where this world and characters go.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thanks so much to the author for the ARC!
Since this is written for middle grade readers, this doesn't fit my typical reading style. The main character very much acts her age, which is absolutely fine, but she annoyed me very quickly.
I also think the magic system could have been explained a little bit more. Because everyone was in a constant hurry, some world building fell flat. But only slightly, I still understood everything well enough and it's also nice not to get info dumped constantly :D
And strangely enough, some problems were solved very conveniently.
This was not perfect for me, mostly because I'm probably a little too old for it, but I still had a lot of fun with it. The characters are interesting and with a little character development from our MC in the next book, I'm certain that it will be great!
The story itself was exciting, very fast-paced. You literally could not get bored! The premise is really unique to me, it's not the typical, popular start to a story, but something completely new (at least to me).
Also, no romance at all! This made me so happy!!
Since this is written for middle grade readers, this doesn't fit my typical reading style. The main character very much acts her age, which is absolutely fine, but she annoyed me very quickly.
I also think the magic system could have been explained a little bit more. Because everyone was in a constant hurry, some world building fell flat. But only slightly, I still understood everything well enough and it's also nice not to get info dumped constantly :D
And strangely enough, some problems were solved very conveniently.
This was not perfect for me, mostly because I'm probably a little too old for it, but I still had a lot of fun with it. The characters are interesting and with a little character development from our MC in the next book, I'm certain that it will be great!
The story itself was exciting, very fast-paced. You literally could not get bored! The premise is really unique to me, it's not the typical, popular start to a story, but something completely new (at least to me).
Also, no romance at all! This made me so happy!!
August 2, 2026
This was a decent young adult fantasy with interesting quest lines, elemental magic, and a villain bent on taking over the world. There were also a few solid plot twists to round it out. I would recommend it for tweens/teens, especially ones who are dipping their toes into the fantasy genre.
As an avid fantasy reader, I was unfortunately pretty disappointed. A lot of this story felt incredibly rushed. There was a lot of content crammed into a rather short book, which meant nothing was able to fully develop. The action sequences were almost non-existent; as soon as they started, they were over. The cast of characters *should* have been fun and interesting, but we really didn't get to know any of them very well, and there was almost no growth for them. The dragons felt more like a prop than actual characters. They didn't really develop personalities or play much impact on the story as a whole, which was a big letdown for a book that is supposed to revolve around them.
The story was interesting, and it could have been so good if it was a lot more fleshed out. This should have been a much longer book (or series of books).
As an avid fantasy reader, I was unfortunately pretty disappointed. A lot of this story felt incredibly rushed. There was a lot of content crammed into a rather short book, which meant nothing was able to fully develop. The action sequences were almost non-existent; as soon as they started, they were over. The cast of characters *should* have been fun and interesting, but we really didn't get to know any of them very well, and there was almost no growth for them. The dragons felt more like a prop than actual characters. They didn't really develop personalities or play much impact on the story as a whole, which was a big letdown for a book that is supposed to revolve around them.
The story was interesting, and it could have been so good if it was a lot more fleshed out. This should have been a much longer book (or series of books).
August 10, 2026
A fun, YA fantasy which contains adventure, quests, a prophesy and DRAGONS!
Thank you to Deborah Rose for the ARC & for including me in the Dragon Pearls ARC team.
I liked the way the novel began. Esther is a good MC and I love how the narrators voice accuratly represents her age.
There were some emotional moments that I was surprised about, which I thought were handled really well. And I liked the story overall all.
However, I feel like some characters were forgotten too quickly and that the world could have been explained and fleshed out in more detail.
There were some parts I found a bit unbelievable but I appreciate that may be because I'm not the intended audience for this book. I also feel like some issues were resolved too quickly which affected the high stakes.
Overall if you want something not too serious, which will keep you occupied and is enjoyable- then this is the book for you.
Thank you to Deborah Rose for the ARC & for including me in the Dragon Pearls ARC team.
I liked the way the novel began. Esther is a good MC and I love how the narrators voice accuratly represents her age.
There were some emotional moments that I was surprised about, which I thought were handled really well. And I liked the story overall all.
However, I feel like some characters were forgotten too quickly and that the world could have been explained and fleshed out in more detail.
There were some parts I found a bit unbelievable but I appreciate that may be because I'm not the intended audience for this book. I also feel like some issues were resolved too quickly which affected the high stakes.
Overall if you want something not too serious, which will keep you occupied and is enjoyable- then this is the book for you.
August 16, 2026
I received an ARC Copy in exchange for my honest review.
In this story we meet, 14-year-old Elizabeth, who dreams of a little less predictability in n her daily life. When Elizabeth discovers a pearl necklace in a local shop, she gets more than she bargained for when she discovers her new necklace also comes with a dragon, magic and a royal title. Her adventures soon test her in ways she didn’t know possible.
Author Deborah Rose was the same age as Elizabeth when she wrote the story and I think the benefit is that it gives the main character a raw and realistic feel. The reader is set in the mind of a young teen.
I really enjoyed the author giving Elizabeth a chance to explore her insecurities and have room to grow into herself. Having the opportunity for readers to be part of our heroine’s journey to self-discovery gave her a vulnerability that many young teens feel today and it provided such an emotional connection to the reader who are facing those same questions or remember the time in their life when they had more questions than answers.
Elizabeth’s journey was one of fear and courage, friendship and loss. Her companions along the way each give her the strength she needed in their own way. Personality conflicts and tension gave the reader the opportunity choose how they felt about each character instead of being told who was good and who was bad.
I think whether 14 or 44, readers will enjoy the journey of Elizabeth’s tale in an endearing and magical way and they will root for her to find her place in her new world. While it doesn't have deep symbolism or deep thought-provoking elements, it has a the feel of a book that wants to take you on a journey, not change your way of thinking, and sometimes that's the perfect element of a book.
In this story we meet, 14-year-old Elizabeth, who dreams of a little less predictability in n her daily life. When Elizabeth discovers a pearl necklace in a local shop, she gets more than she bargained for when she discovers her new necklace also comes with a dragon, magic and a royal title. Her adventures soon test her in ways she didn’t know possible.
Author Deborah Rose was the same age as Elizabeth when she wrote the story and I think the benefit is that it gives the main character a raw and realistic feel. The reader is set in the mind of a young teen.
I really enjoyed the author giving Elizabeth a chance to explore her insecurities and have room to grow into herself. Having the opportunity for readers to be part of our heroine’s journey to self-discovery gave her a vulnerability that many young teens feel today and it provided such an emotional connection to the reader who are facing those same questions or remember the time in their life when they had more questions than answers.
Elizabeth’s journey was one of fear and courage, friendship and loss. Her companions along the way each give her the strength she needed in their own way. Personality conflicts and tension gave the reader the opportunity choose how they felt about each character instead of being told who was good and who was bad.
I think whether 14 or 44, readers will enjoy the journey of Elizabeth’s tale in an endearing and magical way and they will root for her to find her place in her new world. While it doesn't have deep symbolism or deep thought-provoking elements, it has a the feel of a book that wants to take you on a journey, not change your way of thinking, and sometimes that's the perfect element of a book.
August 7, 2026
Dear Deborah,
I cannot wait to read this to my children and my families children. This book was magical and written for the right audience. I am thankful to have read this, thankful to have learned the stories of each character.
Originally, you wrote this book at 14. Though we can see your 14 year old self, we can also see you’re pushing further and I cannot wait to see what you come up with next. Maybe an adult fantasy book? Could that also get into a top 10? I hope so. But, never mind me daydreaming.
The only criticism I would give is to slow down the pace a little and let each scene play out with more details. Other than that, I feel like I lived with the dragons and gained insight to how your brain worked at 14. I felt like I was there with Esther, drawing, then riding, then ruling? If you don’t understand the ruling part, read the book to see :)
I cannot wait to read this to my children and my families children. This book was magical and written for the right audience. I am thankful to have read this, thankful to have learned the stories of each character.
Originally, you wrote this book at 14. Though we can see your 14 year old self, we can also see you’re pushing further and I cannot wait to see what you come up with next. Maybe an adult fantasy book? Could that also get into a top 10? I hope so. But, never mind me daydreaming.
The only criticism I would give is to slow down the pace a little and let each scene play out with more details. Other than that, I feel like I lived with the dragons and gained insight to how your brain worked at 14. I felt like I was there with Esther, drawing, then riding, then ruling? If you don’t understand the ruling part, read the book to see :)
August 8, 2026
This is a fun YA Fantasy, I feel alot of teenagers would really enjoy and be captivated by this story.
I loved how they journey from real world to the world built within this story. Like totally nature vs Tech. Anyway love the concept with the clue finding and traveling and the friendships building.
I love the Pearl necklace concept and that she started getting visits from the dragon's because of this..
There are a few things I personally feel need working on.. positive criticism 🥰 and I mean this with love. The MC seems like she dont trust anyone but yet trusts someone she dont believe in the first place and then leaves town - which dont feel right. Maybe have her trust her more first? Or use someone she does trust.. I also feel maybe the characters could do with some more personality building as I felt they felt the same at times..
That said.. can't wait for the next book.. 🥰 x
I loved how they journey from real world to the world built within this story. Like totally nature vs Tech. Anyway love the concept with the clue finding and traveling and the friendships building.
I love the Pearl necklace concept and that she started getting visits from the dragon's because of this..
There are a few things I personally feel need working on.. positive criticism 🥰 and I mean this with love. The MC seems like she dont trust anyone but yet trusts someone she dont believe in the first place and then leaves town - which dont feel right. Maybe have her trust her more first? Or use someone she does trust.. I also feel maybe the characters could do with some more personality building as I felt they felt the same at times..
That said.. can't wait for the next book.. 🥰 x
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Absolute Masterclass in Indie Fantasy Adventure! 🤩
I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Review Copy of Dragon Pearls by Deborah Rose, and I spent my entire night completely glued to the pages. If you are looking for a fresh, atmospheric fantasy quest to lose yourself in, put this on your "Want to Read" 📚 shelf immediately!
An incredible, high-stakes young adult adventure that fantasy lovers will absolutely devour. It has the perfect mix of ancient magic, hidden secrets, and legendary mythical creatures. I loved the atmospheric vibe of this book so much that it even inspired me to design custom digital fan art for it! Highly, highly recommend picking this up when it launches on Amazon this August
I was lucky enough to receive an Advance Review Copy of Dragon Pearls by Deborah Rose, and I spent my entire night completely glued to the pages. If you are looking for a fresh, atmospheric fantasy quest to lose yourself in, put this on your "Want to Read" 📚 shelf immediately!
An incredible, high-stakes young adult adventure that fantasy lovers will absolutely devour. It has the perfect mix of ancient magic, hidden secrets, and legendary mythical creatures. I loved the atmospheric vibe of this book so much that it even inspired me to design custom digital fan art for it! Highly, highly recommend picking this up when it launches on Amazon this August
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Thank you to the author, Deborah Rose, for the opportunity to read my first Advance Reader Copy (ARC). This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
Dragon Pearls was a fun and heartwarming fantasy adventure that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I loved following Esther's journey as she stepped into a whole new world, made unforgettable friends, and discovered that family isn't always the one you're born into.
The characters were easy to connect with, the adventure kept me turning the pages, and I was left excited to see where the story goes next. If you enjoy dragons, friendship, found family, and magical adventures, I definitely recommend giving Dragon Pearls a read.
Thank you to the author, Deborah Rose, for the opportunity to read my first Advance Reader Copy (ARC). This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
Dragon Pearls was a fun and heartwarming fantasy adventure that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I loved following Esther's journey as she stepped into a whole new world, made unforgettable friends, and discovered that family isn't always the one you're born into.
The characters were easy to connect with, the adventure kept me turning the pages, and I was left excited to see where the story goes next. If you enjoy dragons, friendship, found family, and magical adventures, I definitely recommend giving Dragon Pearls a read.
August 21, 2026
I received an ARC of this book. Here is my honest review:
I really enjoyed the world building in this book. I loved that the main character discovered a magical necklace that gave her a bond with a dragon, and then she developed powers.
Elizabeth’s character was a little confusing sometimes, especially because she would go several chapters without thinking about the family she left behind, and then would become suddenly homesick.
I felt a little like the plot was moving too quickly at times, and there could have been a little more buildup to some of the more serious moments (particularly when one character died, I felt a bit underwhelmed by their death).
If you want a nice YA dragon-filled adventure, this book is for you.
I really enjoyed the world building in this book. I loved that the main character discovered a magical necklace that gave her a bond with a dragon, and then she developed powers.
Elizabeth’s character was a little confusing sometimes, especially because she would go several chapters without thinking about the family she left behind, and then would become suddenly homesick.
I felt a little like the plot was moving too quickly at times, and there could have been a little more buildup to some of the more serious moments (particularly when one character died, I felt a bit underwhelmed by their death).
If you want a nice YA dragon-filled adventure, this book is for you.
August 22, 2026
This is the kind of book I longed for as a kid. I love the imaginative story and cute dragons. For this time in my life it’s just a little to lower level understanding. The vocabulary and descriptions were good but definitely kept in mind the younger reader, which this kind and outgoing author had as a goal. She definitely stayed true to her fourteen year old self and re released a book I enjoyed but struggled to read. If you’re younger or a nostalgic reader this book is great, but for a clean dragon romance it didn’t fully give me what I was looking for. Overall don’t dismiss it, give it the shot it deserves because even though I had other books that sucked me in a lot better this one still has the potential that might be right for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dragon Pearls is definitely written by a 14-year-old dreamer for the other 14-year-old dreamers! The perfect middle grade novel for readers looking to dip their toes into dragon fantasy with found family and chosen one vibes.
It was a fun read for what it was, since the author wanted to stay true to her original material. While there was room for more words to dive deeper into the world built, the characters were easy to root for and get to know.
Reader beware: this is not a standalone!
Thank you to Deborah Rose for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was a fun read for what it was, since the author wanted to stay true to her original material. While there was room for more words to dive deeper into the world built, the characters were easy to root for and get to know.
Reader beware: this is not a standalone!
Thank you to Deborah Rose for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The writing was quite immature, I will be honest. But alas, it's written in first person, so it's authentic with a fourteen year old's perspective.
There were some parts mostly in the beginning I wished were done differently for a stronger turning point. I won't mention any spoilers, because I do believe this book is worth a read. Overall it had me hooked from the beginning to the very end.
This is a small and cozy read and it's been such a wholesome, nostalgic journey. I can't wait to follow Queen Elizabeth's further adventures!
There were some parts mostly in the beginning I wished were done differently for a stronger turning point. I won't mention any spoilers, because I do believe this book is worth a read. Overall it had me hooked from the beginning to the very end.
This is a small and cozy read and it's been such a wholesome, nostalgic journey. I can't wait to follow Queen Elizabeth's further adventures!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️
This is a great YA fantasy novel for preteens and young teens. It was first written when the author was 14 so the voice, themes, and emotions are very fitting for people in that age range. The fantasy world is a very engaging escape and I loved the different dragons, magic, and jewelry elements (which I would've been obsessed with at that age - and still kind of am haha). Even though there is some fighting, it's not as drawn out or grossly descriptive as some other YA novels. There are also various surprises in the book!
This is a great YA fantasy novel for preteens and young teens. It was first written when the author was 14 so the voice, themes, and emotions are very fitting for people in that age range. The fantasy world is a very engaging escape and I loved the different dragons, magic, and jewelry elements (which I would've been obsessed with at that age - and still kind of am haha). Even though there is some fighting, it's not as drawn out or grossly descriptive as some other YA novels. There are also various surprises in the book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🪄M͟a͟g͟i͟c͟a͟l͟ 🪄
This was such a beautiful and magical book! I am in awe of how beautifully it was written and it is definitely one I will recommend to everyone I can!
The world was charming, well built and everything was described so vividly that it was easy to imagine.
The characters were all loveable, unique and intriguing. I love the small plot twist with one of the characters. There was intrigue, magic, royalty, suspicions, a found family, a trial/challenge, some betrayal and most importantly... Incredible DRAGONS!!!
I just wish the book was longer as I didn't want it to end!
This was such a beautiful and magical book! I am in awe of how beautifully it was written and it is definitely one I will recommend to everyone I can!
The world was charming, well built and everything was described so vividly that it was easy to imagine.
The characters were all loveable, unique and intriguing. I love the small plot twist with one of the characters. There was intrigue, magic, royalty, suspicions, a found family, a trial/challenge, some betrayal and most importantly... Incredible DRAGONS!!!
I just wish the book was longer as I didn't want it to end!
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