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Tales from the Chocolate Heart #2
The Girl with the Dragon Heart
Once upon a time, in a beautiful city famous for chocolate and protected by dragons, there was a girl so fearless that she dared to try to tell the greatest story of all: the truth.
Silke has always been good at spinning the truth and storytelling. So good that just years after arriving as a penniless orphan, she has found her way up to working for the most splendid chocolate makers in the city (oh, and becoming best friends with a dragon). Now her gift for weaving words has caught the eye of the royal family, who want to use her as a spy when the mysterious and dangerous fairy royal family announce they will visit the city. But Silke has her own dark, secret reasons for not trusting fairies ...
Can Silke find out the truth about the fairies while keeping her own secrets hidden? From the author of the magical The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart comes a second magical adventure perfect for fans of Cressida Cowell, Cornelia Funke and Peter Bunzl
Silke has always been good at spinning the truth and storytelling. So good that just years after arriving as a penniless orphan, she has found her way up to working for the most splendid chocolate makers in the city (oh, and becoming best friends with a dragon). Now her gift for weaving words has caught the eye of the royal family, who want to use her as a spy when the mysterious and dangerous fairy royal family announce they will visit the city. But Silke has her own dark, secret reasons for not trusting fairies ...
Can Silke find out the truth about the fairies while keeping her own secrets hidden? From the author of the magical The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart comes a second magical adventure perfect for fans of Cressida Cowell, Cornelia Funke and Peter Bunzl
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2018
95 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Burgis
81 books1,359 followersI grew up in America, but now I live in Wales with my husband, fellow writer Patrick Samphire, our two sons, and our sweet (and extremely vocal) tabby cat, Pebbles. I write fantasy rom-coms for adults (most recently Claws and Contrivances and Good Neighbors) and fun MG fantasy adventure novels, too (most recently The Raven Crown duology). My next series will be the adult romantasy trilogy The Queens of Villainy, published by Tor Bramble, starting in 2025 with Wooing the Witch Queen.
To get early sneak peeks at new stories and novels, sign up for my newsletter here: stephanieburgis.com/newsletter.
To join my Dragons' Book Club and get early copies of every ebook that I put out myself (so, all of my novellas, short story ebooks, etc!), check out my Patreon page, where I also published a series of fantasy rom-coms (Good Neighbors) across 2020-2021.
I only rate and review the books that I like, which is why all of my ratings are 4 or 5 stars.
To get early sneak peeks at new stories and novels, sign up for my newsletter here: stephanieburgis.com/newsletter.
To join my Dragons' Book Club and get early copies of every ebook that I put out myself (so, all of my novellas, short story ebooks, etc!), check out my Patreon page, where I also published a series of fantasy rom-coms (Good Neighbors) across 2020-2021.
I only rate and review the books that I like, which is why all of my ratings are 4 or 5 stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
December 11, 2018
3.5 stars. Review first posted on Fantasy Literature:
Stephanie Burgis follows up last year’s award-nominated middle grade fantasy The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart with The Girl with the Dragon Heart, the second book in her TALES FROM THE CHOCOLATE HEART series. The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart followed the escapades of Aventurine, a chocolate-loving young dragon enchanted into the shape of a young girl. The focus now shifts to Aventurine’s friend Silke, a dark-skinned girl with short black curly hair. More importantly, Silke is also brave, quick-thinking and fast-moving, and has a great talent for creating stories, including her own.
Silke, an orphan, spends most of her time waitressing at the Chocolate Heart, one of Drachenburg’s finest chocolate houses (where Aventurine is an apprentice), helping to market their shop by creating and passing out promotional handbills, and keeping the hot-tempered Aventurine out of trouble. But Silke, who’s lived on the streets for years, feels compelled to create a life that has more security and permanence. So when the crown princess of Drachenburg offers Silke a challenge ― pretend to be one of the relatives of the royal family, spy on a delegation of visiting fairies from Elfenwald, and find out what they’re up to and why they’re visiting humans for the first time in over a century ― Silke is delighted to accept, and make herself over as one of the nobility. But is she really ready to leave her friends at the Chocolate Heart behind?
Also, what Silke doesn’t tell Princess Katrin is that six years ago, when Silke was only seven years old, she traveled through Elfenwald with her parents and older brother Dieter in a caravan of refugees. In the middle of the night the group had an encounter with the fairies that ended badly. Dieter and Silke’s parents suddenly disappeared, and the rest of the group rushed out of the forest, taking Dieter and Silke with them. This assignment from Princess Katrin is just the chance Silke has been waiting for, to find out what became of her parents and whether they’re still alive.
The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart is a solid sequel to The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart. The fairies are perhaps not quite as exciting as the dragons in the first story, but they’re a devious group that presents some unexpected challenges for Silke, particularly when her sometimes-dragon-sometimes-girl friend Aventurine gets involved. The story emphasizes the importance of love, acceptance, and loyalty to both friends and family ― both biological and “made” families.
There’s lots of racial diversity in Drachenburg, not only a minority heroine with a can-do attitude, but characters from both the lower and upper classes of society. Horst and Marina, the couple who run the Chocolate Heart, are a mixed-race couple, as are the king and queen of Drachenburg. Skin color is mentioned in passing but doesn’t ever play a role in how people are viewed and treated by others; it’s a refreshingly color-blind society.
I appreciated Silke’s story-telling point of view, and her determination to create her own story.
For fans of this TALES FROM THE CHOCOLATE HEART series, Burgis also has a couple of cute short stories set in this world that are available to read for free on her website: “A Chocolate-Flavoured Bargain” and “The Dragon with an Unbearable Family.”
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC of this book!
Stephanie Burgis follows up last year’s award-nominated middle grade fantasy The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart with The Girl with the Dragon Heart, the second book in her TALES FROM THE CHOCOLATE HEART series. The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart followed the escapades of Aventurine, a chocolate-loving young dragon enchanted into the shape of a young girl. The focus now shifts to Aventurine’s friend Silke, a dark-skinned girl with short black curly hair. More importantly, Silke is also brave, quick-thinking and fast-moving, and has a great talent for creating stories, including her own.
Silke, an orphan, spends most of her time waitressing at the Chocolate Heart, one of Drachenburg’s finest chocolate houses (where Aventurine is an apprentice), helping to market their shop by creating and passing out promotional handbills, and keeping the hot-tempered Aventurine out of trouble. But Silke, who’s lived on the streets for years, feels compelled to create a life that has more security and permanence. So when the crown princess of Drachenburg offers Silke a challenge ― pretend to be one of the relatives of the royal family, spy on a delegation of visiting fairies from Elfenwald, and find out what they’re up to and why they’re visiting humans for the first time in over a century ― Silke is delighted to accept, and make herself over as one of the nobility. But is she really ready to leave her friends at the Chocolate Heart behind?
Also, what Silke doesn’t tell Princess Katrin is that six years ago, when Silke was only seven years old, she traveled through Elfenwald with her parents and older brother Dieter in a caravan of refugees. In the middle of the night the group had an encounter with the fairies that ended badly. Dieter and Silke’s parents suddenly disappeared, and the rest of the group rushed out of the forest, taking Dieter and Silke with them. This assignment from Princess Katrin is just the chance Silke has been waiting for, to find out what became of her parents and whether they’re still alive.
The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart is a solid sequel to The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart. The fairies are perhaps not quite as exciting as the dragons in the first story, but they’re a devious group that presents some unexpected challenges for Silke, particularly when her sometimes-dragon-sometimes-girl friend Aventurine gets involved. The story emphasizes the importance of love, acceptance, and loyalty to both friends and family ― both biological and “made” families.
There’s lots of racial diversity in Drachenburg, not only a minority heroine with a can-do attitude, but characters from both the lower and upper classes of society. Horst and Marina, the couple who run the Chocolate Heart, are a mixed-race couple, as are the king and queen of Drachenburg. Skin color is mentioned in passing but doesn’t ever play a role in how people are viewed and treated by others; it’s a refreshingly color-blind society.
I appreciated Silke’s story-telling point of view, and her determination to create her own story.
I wouldn’t feel this helpless again. I had sworn that a long time ago.It’s a powerful theme in the story, and young readers will enjoy Silke’s adventures and appreciate her courage.
I’d been seven years old the first time I’d felt that taste of sick danger in the air: the feeling of an angry crowd transforming into a mob. By then, I’d already lost my parents and any illusion of safety. … But I wasn’t that powerless girl anymore. I was not. I was the heroine of my own story, and I would make my story work.
For fans of this TALES FROM THE CHOCOLATE HEART series, Burgis also has a couple of cute short stories set in this world that are available to read for free on her website: “A Chocolate-Flavoured Bargain” and “The Dragon with an Unbearable Family.”
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC of this book!
Read
August 9, 2018*ETA: And it's out now in the UK! Hooray! I am so happy to finally get to share it with you guys.*
Silke was one of my favorite characters in The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, and I loved getting to give her an adventure of her own! (Although obviously Aventurine is still deeply involved in this story, since it takes place a few months after The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart. Dragons do not abandon their friends EVER! :) ) This book is about friendship, family, and what really makes a home; it's full of secrets and magic and excellent chocolate; and you can buy it now in any British bookshop or order it through Waterstones, Foyles, Amazon UK, or The Book Depository.
The North American edition will come out on November 6th, and you can preorder it now from IndieBound, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and more.
Please let me know what you think of it! And if you get a chance to give it an honest review, I'll be really grateful.
Silke was one of my favorite characters in The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, and I loved getting to give her an adventure of her own! (Although obviously Aventurine is still deeply involved in this story, since it takes place a few months after The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart. Dragons do not abandon their friends EVER! :) ) This book is about friendship, family, and what really makes a home; it's full of secrets and magic and excellent chocolate; and you can buy it now in any British bookshop or order it through Waterstones, Foyles, Amazon UK, or The Book Depository.
The North American edition will come out on November 6th, and you can preorder it now from IndieBound, Barnes & Noble, Amazon and more.
Please let me know what you think of it! And if you get a chance to give it an honest review, I'll be really grateful.
March 21, 2019
This second installment in the Tales from the Chocolate Heart features the orphan waitress Silke. She is determined to make a name for herself and gets an offer from the crown princess that she cannot refuse. Her work at the palace leads to a showdown with the fairy royalty. Once again chocolate plays a leading role and I think all of us yearn to taste the spicy chocolate brew that it so prolific in these books. Maybe someday. . . For now we look forward to the next book featuring Princess Sofia.
June 4, 2023
"Summer is the season to just … be."
As many of summer’s greatest pleasures are simple, such as the feeling of sun and a soft breeze on your face, reading this series had become one of them - especially while being surrounded by leafy green trees. Loved being back in a bright kitchen filled with a magical aroma of roasting cocoa beans and, of course, seeing more of Aventurine, Marina and Horst through the eyes of Silke! :)
💗
"But there’s one other truth I know for sure: if you have the courage to tell your own story, you can remake the world."
Images: 1. Art by Shato/샤토
2. Art by ~ ソウノナホ ~ @NahoGraphics
As many of summer’s greatest pleasures are simple, such as the feeling of sun and a soft breeze on your face, reading this series had become one of them - especially while being surrounded by leafy green trees. Loved being back in a bright kitchen filled with a magical aroma of roasting cocoa beans and, of course, seeing more of Aventurine, Marina and Horst through the eyes of Silke! :)
💗
"But there’s one other truth I know for sure: if you have the courage to tell your own story, you can remake the world."
Images: 1. Art by Shato/샤토
2. Art by ~ ソウノナホ ~ @NahoGraphics
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January 11, 2020Çocuk kitabi/masalları kategorisinde başarılıydı...
February 18, 2019
Îmi era dor de Aventurine și de ciocolaterie, de firea morocănoasă a Marinei și de broșurile lui Silke, fata cu inimă de dragon și suflet de copil. Este o povestitoare talentată și are o înclinație aparte pentru „șmecherii”, însă nu o poate înlocui pe Aventurine.
Mi-a lipsit vocea dragonului. Mi-a fost dor de ucenica vulcanică și încăpățânată care mă tenta cu chili, rețete noi și ingrediente exotice. Am simțit că am petrecut prea mult timp la curtea regală, vrăjită de zâne și urmărită de spiriduși, nevoită să îndeplinesc ordinele celor două prințese.
În al doilea roman se pune și mai mult accent pe familie, pe semnificația unui cămin și aparenta fragilitate a legăturilor de sânge, în special cele dintre frați/surori. M-a surprins plăcut schimbarea, însă unde au fost dragonii? Renunțam cu drag la zâne (cu excepția regelui) pentru colți, aripi și gheare.
Mi-a lipsit vocea dragonului. Mi-a fost dor de ucenica vulcanică și încăpățânată care mă tenta cu chili, rețete noi și ingrediente exotice. Am simțit că am petrecut prea mult timp la curtea regală, vrăjită de zâne și urmărită de spiriduși, nevoită să îndeplinesc ordinele celor două prințese.
În al doilea roman se pune și mai mult accent pe familie, pe semnificația unui cămin și aparenta fragilitate a legăturilor de sânge, în special cele dintre frați/surori. M-a surprins plăcut schimbarea, însă unde au fost dragonii? Renunțam cu drag la zâne (cu excepția regelui) pentru colți, aripi și gheare.
November 6, 2018
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Children's, and Stephanie Burgis for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I found out there was a SEQUEL to The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, I'm pretty sure I flipped a table. What I originally thought as a stand-alone is actually now a series! How exciting!
While the first book is told from Aventurine's point of view, this book is then told from Silke's perspective, a character introduced in the previous book.
Silke's parents were taken, presumably killed, by the faeries of Elfenwald when she and her brother were children. Now they are visiting Drachenburg, seeking something the people there have: an alliance with dragons. But the Elfenwald royals have no interest in befriending dragons; they want to kill them. Silke is personally asked by one of the princesses to assist with this royal mash-up and find out what the faeries are after, since she's so good at wording her way out of various situations.
With the help of Aventurine, Silke is able to discover the secret of her family's past and what the faeries are truly after--and how to stop them!
While I still thought this book was very cute and fun, it definitely did not go the direction I thought it would. I thought, similar to Aventurine becoming human (a dragon with a chocolate heart), I thought Silke would become a dragon (since, you know, she's a girl with a dragon heart). But it's more metaphorical in this in that Silke acts like a dragon--she's fierce and angers easily--but she never becomes one, which was disappointing based on the title.
On the other hand, I do love stories where those who are low class have to disguise themselves and practice the mannerisms to fit in with the royals for some ulterior motive. That's always fun too, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. Overall, an enjoyable middle grade read that I would love to have in my personal collection or in my classroom.
When I found out there was a SEQUEL to The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, I'm pretty sure I flipped a table. What I originally thought as a stand-alone is actually now a series! How exciting!
While the first book is told from Aventurine's point of view, this book is then told from Silke's perspective, a character introduced in the previous book.
Silke's parents were taken, presumably killed, by the faeries of Elfenwald when she and her brother were children. Now they are visiting Drachenburg, seeking something the people there have: an alliance with dragons. But the Elfenwald royals have no interest in befriending dragons; they want to kill them. Silke is personally asked by one of the princesses to assist with this royal mash-up and find out what the faeries are after, since she's so good at wording her way out of various situations.
With the help of Aventurine, Silke is able to discover the secret of her family's past and what the faeries are truly after--and how to stop them!
While I still thought this book was very cute and fun, it definitely did not go the direction I thought it would. I thought, similar to Aventurine becoming human (a dragon with a chocolate heart), I thought Silke would become a dragon (since, you know, she's a girl with a dragon heart). But it's more metaphorical in this in that Silke acts like a dragon--she's fierce and angers easily--but she never becomes one, which was disappointing based on the title.
On the other hand, I do love stories where those who are low class have to disguise themselves and practice the mannerisms to fit in with the royals for some ulterior motive. That's always fun too, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. Overall, an enjoyable middle grade read that I would love to have in my personal collection or in my classroom.
February 26, 2022
Ahoy there me mateys! This series deals with dragons and chocolate so of course I had to read it. I binged this series and loved it. Who doesn't love the themes of embracing who ye are and finding yer own inner strengths. Here be me thoughts.
the dragon with the chocolate heart
This book made me salty heart sing with its awesomeness. This is the story of young dragon Aventurine who is determined to prove how fierce she is by sneaking out of the family cave. Only the first human she tries to catch turns her into a human girl! Using enchanted hot chocolate! Aventurine's inadvertently discovers that chocolate is her passion but then has to figure out how to survive the new world she finds herself in.
I adored Aventurine. I adored her dragon family. I adored her found family. I loved watching her navigate the human world and her very dragony thoughts about it. I loved the ending. Basically this was a perfect read for me. One of the best parts about it is a scene where an adult takes responsibility for problems that occur and apologizes. Children take responsibility for things outside of their control sometimes and this book deals with that in a lovely way. I just loved this moment of reality in a book where children still save the day. And I wanted to eat all the chocolate.
the girl with the dragon heart
The second book follows Silke who is Adventurine's best human friend. Silke is a natural born storyteller who likes to adopt other roles. She is brought in as a spy to the royal family when fairies come along. But she has a mission of her own when it comes to dealing with the fairies.
This was very enjoyable but me least favorite of the bunch. I just wasn't as thrilled with the fae aspects and Silke's bumbling around. Silke was just a little too focused on her own quest to the detriment of others. In the first book she seemed so capable and this book seemed to go against the character traits of the first book. Of course it all works out. I loved Adventurine in this book too.
the princess who flew with dragons
This was me second favorite of the series. Princess Sofia is coerced into a diplomatic mission in a neighboring kingdom. She doesn't want to go. Sofia has always had problems fulfilling her royal duties and relating to others and the events of book two have made her terrified to face the larger world. And of course, her mission goes wrong right from the start.
And how it goes wrong is so delightful that I was laughing out loud. The first carriage ride is stunningly horrible and funny. Of course with her mission in tatters, Sofia decides to use the time to do what she wants to do. And what she wants to do it be a student at university. It is there that Sofia is exposed to bigger ideas about the world and the people in it. And how her life of privilege has kept her blind despite all the books she has studied. Then ice giants attack and Sofia has to save the day. This book had lovely messages about friendship, forgiveness, and working together. I loved it.
the short stories
I was delighted to find that the author has three short stories set in the world available on her website. Of course I had to read these too. One is a prequel about Citrine , Aventurine’s disapproving older sister! Citrine gets revenge for her younger siblings trick. Short and fun. Another is a story about Marina and Horst , the chocolatiers, and how they met and started their future together. It was sweet. And then Silke's brother, Dieter, got his own mission. It was lovely to see what happened to Dieter after his world was turned upside down by the events of book two.
I loved this series and need to read more of Stephanie Burgis' work. Arrr!
the dragon with the chocolate heart
This book made me salty heart sing with its awesomeness. This is the story of young dragon Aventurine who is determined to prove how fierce she is by sneaking out of the family cave. Only the first human she tries to catch turns her into a human girl! Using enchanted hot chocolate! Aventurine's inadvertently discovers that chocolate is her passion but then has to figure out how to survive the new world she finds herself in.
I adored Aventurine. I adored her dragon family. I adored her found family. I loved watching her navigate the human world and her very dragony thoughts about it. I loved the ending. Basically this was a perfect read for me. One of the best parts about it is a scene where an adult takes responsibility for problems that occur and apologizes. Children take responsibility for things outside of their control sometimes and this book deals with that in a lovely way. I just loved this moment of reality in a book where children still save the day. And I wanted to eat all the chocolate.
the girl with the dragon heart
The second book follows Silke who is Adventurine's best human friend. Silke is a natural born storyteller who likes to adopt other roles. She is brought in as a spy to the royal family when fairies come along. But she has a mission of her own when it comes to dealing with the fairies.
This was very enjoyable but me least favorite of the bunch. I just wasn't as thrilled with the fae aspects and Silke's bumbling around. Silke was just a little too focused on her own quest to the detriment of others. In the first book she seemed so capable and this book seemed to go against the character traits of the first book. Of course it all works out. I loved Adventurine in this book too.
the princess who flew with dragons
This was me second favorite of the series. Princess Sofia is coerced into a diplomatic mission in a neighboring kingdom. She doesn't want to go. Sofia has always had problems fulfilling her royal duties and relating to others and the events of book two have made her terrified to face the larger world. And of course, her mission goes wrong right from the start.
And how it goes wrong is so delightful that I was laughing out loud. The first carriage ride is stunningly horrible and funny. Of course with her mission in tatters, Sofia decides to use the time to do what she wants to do. And what she wants to do it be a student at university. It is there that Sofia is exposed to bigger ideas about the world and the people in it. And how her life of privilege has kept her blind despite all the books she has studied. Then ice giants attack and Sofia has to save the day. This book had lovely messages about friendship, forgiveness, and working together. I loved it.
the short stories
I was delighted to find that the author has three short stories set in the world available on her website. Of course I had to read these too. One is a prequel about Citrine , Aventurine’s disapproving older sister! Citrine gets revenge for her younger siblings trick. Short and fun. Another is a story about Marina and Horst , the chocolatiers, and how they met and started their future together. It was sweet. And then Silke's brother, Dieter, got his own mission. It was lovely to see what happened to Dieter after his world was turned upside down by the events of book two.
I loved this series and need to read more of Stephanie Burgis' work. Arrr!
February 17, 2019
Aceasta carte, al doilea volum al poveștii Dragonului cu inimă de ciocolată este o poveste minunată în care veți zbura și veți vedea lumea de pe aripile unui dragon iar papilele gustative vor tânji după descrierile de ciocolată. Este una dintre acele povești care provoacă cititorul la o teleportare, nu la o călătorie. Pentru că nu veți vedea personajele, ci le veți simți trăirile, veți fi conectați cu toate simțurile și vă veți bucura de o experiență literară completă.
Cartea are dragoni, ciocolată, magie și prietenie. Ce altceva ați mai putea dori? Este prezentă, de asemenea, și Aventurine, care este mai puternică și mai curajoasă, strălucind cu adevărat pentru că s-a obișnuit a fi umană.
„Fata cu inimă de dragon” aduce zâmbet și relaxare. Ca și în cazul Dragonului cu inimă de ciocolată, a fost o adevărată plăcere să o citesc. Așa că sper că o veți citi și voi, dar nu înainte de a vă înarma cu multă, multă ciocolată.
#fatacuinimadedragon
#promovezlectura
https://cartideciocolata.ro/2019/02/1...
Cartea are dragoni, ciocolată, magie și prietenie. Ce altceva ați mai putea dori? Este prezentă, de asemenea, și Aventurine, care este mai puternică și mai curajoasă, strălucind cu adevărat pentru că s-a obișnuit a fi umană.
„Fata cu inimă de dragon” aduce zâmbet și relaxare. Ca și în cazul Dragonului cu inimă de ciocolată, a fost o adevărată plăcere să o citesc. Așa că sper că o veți citi și voi, dar nu înainte de a vă înarma cu multă, multă ciocolată.
#fatacuinimadedragon
#promovezlectura
https://cartideciocolata.ro/2019/02/1...
January 6, 2020
Aventurine's friend Silke is the best storyteller and is good about spreading the word about things. When her storytelling gets her in trouble, Princess Katrin hires Silke to be a spy for her to see what the Fairy Kingdom Elfenwald want with Drachenburg. Will Silke succeed in her mission or will she disgrace the kingdom? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a great installment of the Tales from the Chocolate heart series. If you like stories about chocolate, dragons, and more then be sure to check out this book and the rest of the series starting with the girl with the chocolate heart at your local library and wherever books and eBooks are sold.
This was a great installment of the Tales from the Chocolate heart series. If you like stories about chocolate, dragons, and more then be sure to check out this book and the rest of the series starting with the girl with the chocolate heart at your local library and wherever books and eBooks are sold.
June 18, 2018
Wonderfully fun with a delightful heroine.
January 8, 2022
CW: grief; family separation
January 1, 2019
I wasn't convinced of the world this time around. Everything moved so quickly, with a rushed, inexplicable ending centering around the magic of the word "bargain", in an almost cardboard-cutout girl-empowerment way - and I just didn't buy it.
Closing out the year with a "meh" read feels right on target, though.
Closing out the year with a "meh" read feels right on target, though.
January 2, 2024
“Момичето с драконово сърце” от Стефани Бърджес е точно толкова великолепна и завладяваща приказна история, колкото първата книга - “Дракончето с шоколадово сърце”. Потопих се в нея с огромно удоволствие. А как само ми се иска да опитам от вълшебния горещ шоколад на работилница “Шоколадово сърце”!
January 6, 2019
The Girl with the Dragon Heart by Stephanie Burgis is her brilliant follow-up to The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart. While this book could be read independently, I think it would be better read following the first book. If you haven't read it yet, you have two exciting and excellent books to look forward to! I, of course, may be biased as these books contain all my favorite things.
"But there's one other truth I know for sure: if you have the courage to tell your own story, you can remake the world."
If there is one thing Silke knows she is good at, it is spinning tales. She can make an exciting story out of pretty much anything, and if she happens to stretch or alter the truth to make it just a tad more interesting, what is the harm really? Silke is trying her hardest to bring customers into The Chocolate Heart after all, a chocolate establishment that deserves everyone's patronage. Silke works there as a waitress too as well as helping her brother in his market stall. Silke wants most to protect all of the people she cares for most. She is not losing anyone else. When her tales and antics capture the attention of the savvy Princess Katrin, Silke finds herself offered the adventure and position of a lifetime. However, spying on the newly arrived Fairy court who want to bargain with the royal family is not a simple task, especially when Silke's own priorities for spying on the fairies may interfere with the job the princess have given her. If there is one thing Silke is certain of, it is that you can not trust the Fairies.
Silke as a character was fascinating in The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart. In her own story, she becomes even more so. Silke is one of those people who goes full throttle toward what they want. Once she is convinced she is in the right, there is no stopping her. This makes her relationships with others difficult at times as the people she is closest too wish she would slow down and listen more. Her prickly personality (put in place as protection) makes it hard for people to get to know her, but once she considers you part of her inner circle, her loyalty is ride or die fierce. She grew a lot over the course of her story as she came to see the importance of listening to others, understanding all of the pertinent details of a situation before jumping in, and not rushing head long into a situation with no plan. Her intelligent mind and ability to tell stories are what save her and the people she loves most in the end. It was fun revisiting so many characters from the first novel too. It was interesting to see Aventurine from Silke's perspective. (That is an aspect of these novels that is really well done: how the girls see themselves vs how each sees the other and the uniqueness of their voices.) Both of the princesses have a large part in Silke's story. I find myself fascinated by both of them and would love to read stories about them as well.
Burgis expands the world she created in The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart. It feels like an actual, real place with history and depth. The story of the Fairies and how they operate is based on old fairy lore but is adapted to fit the story Burgis is telling. I found the way she combined the history of the Fairies and the Dragons to be unique and interesting. The Fairies are manipulative, cold, and ruthless, and their mannerisms fit perfectly in the world Burgis has created for her other creatures and characters.
The Girl with the Dragon Heart explores the theme of independence and community, the tension between the two, and how both are necessary for a complete life. I also loved the exploration of the importance of found/chosen family, but also loving and living with the family you are born into.
"But there's one other truth I know for sure: if you have the courage to tell your own story, you can remake the world."
If there is one thing Silke knows she is good at, it is spinning tales. She can make an exciting story out of pretty much anything, and if she happens to stretch or alter the truth to make it just a tad more interesting, what is the harm really? Silke is trying her hardest to bring customers into The Chocolate Heart after all, a chocolate establishment that deserves everyone's patronage. Silke works there as a waitress too as well as helping her brother in his market stall. Silke wants most to protect all of the people she cares for most. She is not losing anyone else. When her tales and antics capture the attention of the savvy Princess Katrin, Silke finds herself offered the adventure and position of a lifetime. However, spying on the newly arrived Fairy court who want to bargain with the royal family is not a simple task, especially when Silke's own priorities for spying on the fairies may interfere with the job the princess have given her. If there is one thing Silke is certain of, it is that you can not trust the Fairies.
Silke as a character was fascinating in The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart. In her own story, she becomes even more so. Silke is one of those people who goes full throttle toward what they want. Once she is convinced she is in the right, there is no stopping her. This makes her relationships with others difficult at times as the people she is closest too wish she would slow down and listen more. Her prickly personality (put in place as protection) makes it hard for people to get to know her, but once she considers you part of her inner circle, her loyalty is ride or die fierce. She grew a lot over the course of her story as she came to see the importance of listening to others, understanding all of the pertinent details of a situation before jumping in, and not rushing head long into a situation with no plan. Her intelligent mind and ability to tell stories are what save her and the people she loves most in the end. It was fun revisiting so many characters from the first novel too. It was interesting to see Aventurine from Silke's perspective. (That is an aspect of these novels that is really well done: how the girls see themselves vs how each sees the other and the uniqueness of their voices.) Both of the princesses have a large part in Silke's story. I find myself fascinated by both of them and would love to read stories about them as well.
Burgis expands the world she created in The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart. It feels like an actual, real place with history and depth. The story of the Fairies and how they operate is based on old fairy lore but is adapted to fit the story Burgis is telling. I found the way she combined the history of the Fairies and the Dragons to be unique and interesting. The Fairies are manipulative, cold, and ruthless, and their mannerisms fit perfectly in the world Burgis has created for her other creatures and characters.
The Girl with the Dragon Heart explores the theme of independence and community, the tension between the two, and how both are necessary for a complete life. I also loved the exploration of the importance of found/chosen family, but also loving and living with the family you are born into.
October 3, 2020
This book was a fun read! I really want to find the first one again and reread that. I like that Silke was able to find her parents and Deter finally accepted her and got closer to her! Also, Adventurine was being Adventurine with all protectiveness which made me smiled. I like the book a lot and would definitely recommend it!
November 10, 2019
Cute story!
July 9, 2022
When you are looking for a light yet touching, fun read, this will hit the spot heads on. Simply a joy to young {in age or spirits} readers.
February 10, 2025
DNF, за жалост ми беше безкрайно скушна и много детска
August 7, 2018
Brilliant! More of what I loved in the first book, with characters who wriggle their way into your heart so you celebrate and commiserate with them. Loved meeting the fairies and exploring Silke's background more. Full review below:
Once upon a time in a beautiful , dirty, exciting city full of people and chocolate and possibilities, there was a girl so fearless and so daring that … No, wait. I’ve always been good at telling stories. But this time, I want to tell the truth. The truth is that, for once, my older brother was right: it wasn’t sensible for me to accept the crown princess’s challenge. A thirteen-year-old girl from the riverbank, with no proper home or schooling, setting out to mix with royals, match wits with vengeful fairies and stand up for her entire city? Anyone in Drachenburg could have told me that was absurd. But there’s one other truth I know for sure: if you have the courage to tell your own story, you can remake the world.
First impressions: I picked up the first book in this series, The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart from my local library, thinking it looked interesting but not really expecting that much. I absolutely adored it! So, when I saw this second book and heard that it was going to be following the street-smart Silke, one of my favourite characters from the first book, I couldn’t wait to pick this up! I also love the cover – it looks like it will be even more special in the hard copy as it has foiling. I am especially looking forward to seeing what adventures Aventurine and Silke go on, especially now that Aventurine can control her dragon transformations…
This book had everything that made me love the first book, with the added bonus of exploring more of the world and digging deeper into the background of Silke, one of my favourite characters from the first book. One of the strengths of this book (and the first) was the characters, all of whom are drawn with such care and are flawed, realistic and lovable. Even the ‘baddies’ are given development and motivation, which is great. Aventurine was the main character in the first book and still remains a favourite, although she doesn’t get as much attention in this instalment as the focus is on Silke. We find out how Silke arrived in the city, where her parents are and why her relationship with her brother is so strained. We get to see beneath her confident facade to the girl underneath, who is still a child in so many ways.
In a way, seeing her doubts and fragility makes her even more impressive when she uses her quick wits and clever storytelling to talk her way out of a number of increasingly-tighter spots. I also enjoyed getting to learn more about the two princesses, as Princess Katrin reveals how she calculates and controls the kingdom in place of her rather-useless father and Sofia attempts to spy with the diplomatic skills of a teaspoon.
Getting to meet the fairy court, emerged from underground for the first time in over a hundred years, was also a highlight, particularly as I imagine they will play a part in future books.
This book moves at a quick pace, with plans being created, destroyed and discarded almost as fast as you can read them.
It is a rip-roaring adventure, full of girls taking their destiny into their own hands and showcasing the power of intelligence and careful planning, rather than rushing in with all guns blazing (or dragonfire roaring as Aventurine would have it).
Fantastic adventure for all ages!
‘Once upon a time …’ I whispered to myself. It was the way my mother had started all of her stories, every single evening of my childhood. Just the sound of those words had been enough, back then, to fill me with comfort as I’d lain safe and warm in my own bed, waiting to find out what would happen in someone else’s exciting story. Now I whispered the words to myself for strength. I was calm . I was confident. I was the heroine of my own story, not the villain. And no matter what Dieter thought, our parents would be proud of me if they could see me now, travelling across the city every day to hunt down my own happy ending.
What I liked: Returning to the world of the first book, getting to know more about Silke, girls n control and showing their power and intelligence, dragons are always good…as is more chocolate!
Even better if: I wish I had my hard copy already! And, dare I hope for Book 3?
How you could use it in your classroom: Both this and the first book in this series would make a brilliant read-aloud for Year 3 (Age 7-8) plus classes or as an independent read for children aged around 10+ (obviously, there is nothing to stop those younger from reading it if it;s a suitable level or they really want to). The inclusion of dragons and chocolate might entice a few readers and the clever, young characters are excellent role models for both boys and girls.
https://chrikarublog.wordpress.com/20...
Once upon a time in a beautiful , dirty, exciting city full of people and chocolate and possibilities, there was a girl so fearless and so daring that … No, wait. I’ve always been good at telling stories. But this time, I want to tell the truth. The truth is that, for once, my older brother was right: it wasn’t sensible for me to accept the crown princess’s challenge. A thirteen-year-old girl from the riverbank, with no proper home or schooling, setting out to mix with royals, match wits with vengeful fairies and stand up for her entire city? Anyone in Drachenburg could have told me that was absurd. But there’s one other truth I know for sure: if you have the courage to tell your own story, you can remake the world.
First impressions: I picked up the first book in this series, The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart from my local library, thinking it looked interesting but not really expecting that much. I absolutely adored it! So, when I saw this second book and heard that it was going to be following the street-smart Silke, one of my favourite characters from the first book, I couldn’t wait to pick this up! I also love the cover – it looks like it will be even more special in the hard copy as it has foiling. I am especially looking forward to seeing what adventures Aventurine and Silke go on, especially now that Aventurine can control her dragon transformations…
This book had everything that made me love the first book, with the added bonus of exploring more of the world and digging deeper into the background of Silke, one of my favourite characters from the first book. One of the strengths of this book (and the first) was the characters, all of whom are drawn with such care and are flawed, realistic and lovable. Even the ‘baddies’ are given development and motivation, which is great. Aventurine was the main character in the first book and still remains a favourite, although she doesn’t get as much attention in this instalment as the focus is on Silke. We find out how Silke arrived in the city, where her parents are and why her relationship with her brother is so strained. We get to see beneath her confident facade to the girl underneath, who is still a child in so many ways.
In a way, seeing her doubts and fragility makes her even more impressive when she uses her quick wits and clever storytelling to talk her way out of a number of increasingly-tighter spots. I also enjoyed getting to learn more about the two princesses, as Princess Katrin reveals how she calculates and controls the kingdom in place of her rather-useless father and Sofia attempts to spy with the diplomatic skills of a teaspoon.
Getting to meet the fairy court, emerged from underground for the first time in over a hundred years, was also a highlight, particularly as I imagine they will play a part in future books.
This book moves at a quick pace, with plans being created, destroyed and discarded almost as fast as you can read them.
It is a rip-roaring adventure, full of girls taking their destiny into their own hands and showcasing the power of intelligence and careful planning, rather than rushing in with all guns blazing (or dragonfire roaring as Aventurine would have it).
Fantastic adventure for all ages!
‘Once upon a time …’ I whispered to myself. It was the way my mother had started all of her stories, every single evening of my childhood. Just the sound of those words had been enough, back then, to fill me with comfort as I’d lain safe and warm in my own bed, waiting to find out what would happen in someone else’s exciting story. Now I whispered the words to myself for strength. I was calm . I was confident. I was the heroine of my own story, not the villain. And no matter what Dieter thought, our parents would be proud of me if they could see me now, travelling across the city every day to hunt down my own happy ending.
What I liked: Returning to the world of the first book, getting to know more about Silke, girls n control and showing their power and intelligence, dragons are always good…as is more chocolate!
Even better if: I wish I had my hard copy already! And, dare I hope for Book 3?
How you could use it in your classroom: Both this and the first book in this series would make a brilliant read-aloud for Year 3 (Age 7-8) plus classes or as an independent read for children aged around 10+ (obviously, there is nothing to stop those younger from reading it if it;s a suitable level or they really want to). The inclusion of dragons and chocolate might entice a few readers and the clever, young characters are excellent role models for both boys and girls.
https://chrikarublog.wordpress.com/20...
November 20, 2018
lovely, prefect read
August 12, 2018
This book was sent to me by the publisher, Bloomsbury, at no cost. I believe it comes out in Australia at the start of September; RRP $14.99.
I heard about this book from Tansy, who adored it, so when I got to a chance to review it I was pretty stoked. But a thing I did not realise: this is a sequel! When I read the first chapter or so I wasn't sure whether Burgis was doing something quite ambitious for this middle grade/ YA book (the protagonist is 13: I don't know how to classify books for younger readers) - that is, leaping right into the story and then adding a bit of background information. Then I found out that before this is The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, and it made a bit more sense. That said, I think that the narrators are different in the two books, and obviously I haven't read the first but I still managed to read and love this book... so it does stand by itself.
Silke is 13 and determined to write her own story of her life, with herself as heroine not victim. She and her brother have been on their own since their parents were captured or killed as the family were fleeing their homeland some years ago. Most recently, Silke has been making herself useful to the chocolate makers at The Chocolate Heart, who have employed her best friend who is usually in human form but is actually a dragon (it's complicated). She's waitressing, and telling stories both orally and via broadsheet. But then she gets a job from the crown princess when the neighbouring fairy royalty, who have been living underground for a century, suddenly come for a visit. Silke has the chance to prove herself but of course things won't go as smoothly as one might hope...
There's a lot to like here. The action moves quickly, but there's still lovely moments of character development. And the characters are great: mostly girls and women, with genuine diversity of character. The crown princess might be well loved, but/and she's also a ruthless politician when necessary. The younger princess feels overshadowed; the chocolate apprentice is true to her dragon heritage; the adult women are sometimes compassionate, sometimes impatient, sometimes ignorant. The male characters are also diverse - Silke's older brother is, basically, an older brother; sometimes the men are greedy, sometimes loving. Silke herself is basically creating herself as she goes along, which is probably her most intriguing characteristic: after early trauma she is determined not to have her life written for her. And so she puts on an act - which is sometimes a good thing, and sometimes not, and that's acknowledged by the text.
As for the action: it's clear from early on that the arrival of the fairies isn't going to be the wondrous thing that the population might hope. It takes some unexpected turns, much like Silke learning the ins and outs of the servants' passageways within the castle. The fairies have a bit less development than some other characters, but it does all work well as a narrative.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to giving it to the younger readers in my life.
I heard about this book from Tansy, who adored it, so when I got to a chance to review it I was pretty stoked. But a thing I did not realise: this is a sequel! When I read the first chapter or so I wasn't sure whether Burgis was doing something quite ambitious for this middle grade/ YA book (the protagonist is 13: I don't know how to classify books for younger readers) - that is, leaping right into the story and then adding a bit of background information. Then I found out that before this is The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, and it made a bit more sense. That said, I think that the narrators are different in the two books, and obviously I haven't read the first but I still managed to read and love this book... so it does stand by itself.
Silke is 13 and determined to write her own story of her life, with herself as heroine not victim. She and her brother have been on their own since their parents were captured or killed as the family were fleeing their homeland some years ago. Most recently, Silke has been making herself useful to the chocolate makers at The Chocolate Heart, who have employed her best friend who is usually in human form but is actually a dragon (it's complicated). She's waitressing, and telling stories both orally and via broadsheet. But then she gets a job from the crown princess when the neighbouring fairy royalty, who have been living underground for a century, suddenly come for a visit. Silke has the chance to prove herself but of course things won't go as smoothly as one might hope...
There's a lot to like here. The action moves quickly, but there's still lovely moments of character development. And the characters are great: mostly girls and women, with genuine diversity of character. The crown princess might be well loved, but/and she's also a ruthless politician when necessary. The younger princess feels overshadowed; the chocolate apprentice is true to her dragon heritage; the adult women are sometimes compassionate, sometimes impatient, sometimes ignorant. The male characters are also diverse - Silke's older brother is, basically, an older brother; sometimes the men are greedy, sometimes loving. Silke herself is basically creating herself as she goes along, which is probably her most intriguing characteristic: after early trauma she is determined not to have her life written for her. And so she puts on an act - which is sometimes a good thing, and sometimes not, and that's acknowledged by the text.
As for the action: it's clear from early on that the arrival of the fairies isn't going to be the wondrous thing that the population might hope. It takes some unexpected turns, much like Silke learning the ins and outs of the servants' passageways within the castle. The fairies have a bit less development than some other characters, but it does all work well as a narrative.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to giving it to the younger readers in my life.
May 13, 2019
Silke has started working for the Chocolate Heart as a waitress and delivering handbills to drum up sales. She's an adept salesperson and really knows how to entice people into coming to the store to sample their delectable chocolates. She's diplomatic, determined and perhaps a bit overly confident, but she knows what she wants. She has dreams and aspirations of one day having her own place to call home, one that can't be taken away from her. I quite enjoyed her desire to be in control of her story, to forge her own way in life. Adventurine is Silke's best friend, she's fierce, territorial and very protective of her friends and family. Having the ability to transform into a dragon when she's angry also makes her unpredictable and volatile, it's a good thing she has Silke. who usually can calm her down in these situations. The two girls really complement each other and would do anything to protect one another. Their friendship really shines in this story.
When Silke's storytelling draws the attention of the Crown Princess, and she's given the opportunity to spy on the visiting fairy delegation, Silke jumps at the chance. She has unfinished business with the fairies and questions about her parents that she hopes they might have the answers to. I love how the setting of the story moved from the Chocolate Heart shop to the Palace and the way Silke had to adjust to learning how to be a proper lady-in-waiting, to wear dresses with frills. She's quite entertaining. I adored her quick wit and ability to get out of almost any situation by telling a story. I also like the addition of Princess Sofia and hope she'll be featured in a future story in the Tales from the Chocolate Heart series. The Girl with the Dragon Heart has some pleasant surprises, lovely messaging and fierce strong female characters.
When Silke's storytelling draws the attention of the Crown Princess, and she's given the opportunity to spy on the visiting fairy delegation, Silke jumps at the chance. She has unfinished business with the fairies and questions about her parents that she hopes they might have the answers to. I love how the setting of the story moved from the Chocolate Heart shop to the Palace and the way Silke had to adjust to learning how to be a proper lady-in-waiting, to wear dresses with frills. She's quite entertaining. I adored her quick wit and ability to get out of almost any situation by telling a story. I also like the addition of Princess Sofia and hope she'll be featured in a future story in the Tales from the Chocolate Heart series. The Girl with the Dragon Heart has some pleasant surprises, lovely messaging and fierce strong female characters.
April 27, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In the beautiful kingdom of Drachenburg, there once lives a bright young girl who told stories like no other human. Silke's ability to weave stories is so good, that even the crown princess has noticed it. And now that she has, she will need Silke to work for her on a dangerous task that requires a lot of intelligence.
The fairies are coming to the Kingdom of Drachenburg, and nobody knows why. Having lived underground for years, the fae are cunning , secretive people, and very, very dangerous. Silke, along with her friends from the Chocolate Heart shop, will have to use all their wits in order to figure out why the faery folk decided to visit their kingdom. But, in the meantime, the bright young orphan will uncover a truth about her own dreadful past.
Welcome to a wonderful fairytale, where all kinds of different creatures coexist. Magical kingdoms, cunning creatures, honorable dragons ; every kind has a part to play in this intelligent plot with a twist of mystery. The Girl with the Dragon Heart is a story about accepting yourself, being the hero of your own story, and standing up for your loved ones. It shows us that family is important, and truth is both necessary and inevitable.
Silke is a unique character. Even though she has gone through a lot of adversities, she keeps being strong and open to love people around her. Never one to back down from doing what she believes is right, she takes on a very difficult task in order to protect the people she calls her family.
The Girl with the Dragon Heart is an excellent children's story, the kind that can be read pleasantly by an adult as well. It is strongly suggested for parents to read this book with their children, as a lot of constructive and wonderful conversations can be made based on what the story of Silke has to offer.
In the beautiful kingdom of Drachenburg, there once lives a bright young girl who told stories like no other human. Silke's ability to weave stories is so good, that even the crown princess has noticed it. And now that she has, she will need Silke to work for her on a dangerous task that requires a lot of intelligence.
The fairies are coming to the Kingdom of Drachenburg, and nobody knows why. Having lived underground for years, the fae are cunning , secretive people, and very, very dangerous. Silke, along with her friends from the Chocolate Heart shop, will have to use all their wits in order to figure out why the faery folk decided to visit their kingdom. But, in the meantime, the bright young orphan will uncover a truth about her own dreadful past.
Welcome to a wonderful fairytale, where all kinds of different creatures coexist. Magical kingdoms, cunning creatures, honorable dragons ; every kind has a part to play in this intelligent plot with a twist of mystery. The Girl with the Dragon Heart is a story about accepting yourself, being the hero of your own story, and standing up for your loved ones. It shows us that family is important, and truth is both necessary and inevitable.
Silke is a unique character. Even though she has gone through a lot of adversities, she keeps being strong and open to love people around her. Never one to back down from doing what she believes is right, she takes on a very difficult task in order to protect the people she calls her family.
The Girl with the Dragon Heart is an excellent children's story, the kind that can be read pleasantly by an adult as well. It is strongly suggested for parents to read this book with their children, as a lot of constructive and wonderful conversations can be made based on what the story of Silke has to offer.
October 14, 2019
Quel régal de plonger dans cette ambiance magique et onctueuse ! Oui... le parfum sucré du chocolat fait tourner la tête et saliver les papilles tout du long. Miam, on y prend goût et on se retient de croquer le roman lui-même. L'histoire offre aussi d'incroyables possibilités en nous conviant dans un monde en trompe l'œil... où les sourires mielleux masquent des ambitions dévorantes et des intérêts inavouables.
Ça dégouline vraiment en poudre aux yeux et ça fascine le lecteur qui perd toute notion du temps. Avant d'entamer cette lecture, j'ignorais que l'histoire se porterait sur Silke - la deuxième héroïne dans Le Dragon au Cœur de Chocolat. J'ai d'abord regretté ce changement - l'humour d'Aventurine & le folklore des dragons me manquaient - mais j'ai vite compensé avec la formidable énergie et la fraîcheur de Silke. Quelle pile électrique !
Avec son talent de conteuse hors pair, celle-ci montre avec quelle virtuosité elle survole les imprévus et contourne les embrouilles... même si à force de foncer bille en tête, obsédée par sa quête personnelle, Silke met parfois en danger ses amis de la Chocolaterie.
De toute façon, le sens de la famille brille de mille feux dans le roman tant il est décliné de mille façons. C'est fort, c'est étourdissant, c'est gourmand. Et ça craque sous la dent... succulent !
Ça dégouline vraiment en poudre aux yeux et ça fascine le lecteur qui perd toute notion du temps. Avant d'entamer cette lecture, j'ignorais que l'histoire se porterait sur Silke - la deuxième héroïne dans Le Dragon au Cœur de Chocolat. J'ai d'abord regretté ce changement - l'humour d'Aventurine & le folklore des dragons me manquaient - mais j'ai vite compensé avec la formidable énergie et la fraîcheur de Silke. Quelle pile électrique !
Avec son talent de conteuse hors pair, celle-ci montre avec quelle virtuosité elle survole les imprévus et contourne les embrouilles... même si à force de foncer bille en tête, obsédée par sa quête personnelle, Silke met parfois en danger ses amis de la Chocolaterie.
De toute façon, le sens de la famille brille de mille feux dans le roman tant il est décliné de mille façons. C'est fort, c'est étourdissant, c'est gourmand. Et ça craque sous la dent... succulent !
April 10, 2020
After reading The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart I just had to read the second book, you know? So I quickly got on half priced books and skimmed for the cheapest buy. I waited and waited and waited... then eventually it showed up at my door! And even better, it was an ARC copy! I was so happy.
Overall, however, I wasn’t impressed. Silke wasn’t as brave or spunky as she was in the first one. She crumbled almost immediately under the pressure and never recovered in subsequent chapters. If I was the author, I would have had her break down in the middle of perhaps even towards the end of the book like Adventurine did in the first one. That way, the character remains true to her personality while still being flawed. The way it was written was just disappointing.
The addition of fairies also didn’t sit right with me. Not only were they all unlikable (a little fairiest if you ask me), but the way they were described along with the magical orbs just didn’t fit with the setting of the first book. The first book felt more... warm, and this book was cool colors and random electricy things.
I gave it 2 and a calf cows instead of three because the character and some plot/setting pieces seemed inconsistent with the first book, but a part of me loves the first book so much I couldn’t give this one two. I will probably end up reading the third book, but I’m not near as eager to do so.
Overall, however, I wasn’t impressed. Silke wasn’t as brave or spunky as she was in the first one. She crumbled almost immediately under the pressure and never recovered in subsequent chapters. If I was the author, I would have had her break down in the middle of perhaps even towards the end of the book like Adventurine did in the first one. That way, the character remains true to her personality while still being flawed. The way it was written was just disappointing.
The addition of fairies also didn’t sit right with me. Not only were they all unlikable (a little fairiest if you ask me), but the way they were described along with the magical orbs just didn’t fit with the setting of the first book. The first book felt more... warm, and this book was cool colors and random electricy things.
I gave it 2 and a calf cows instead of three because the character and some plot/setting pieces seemed inconsistent with the first book, but a part of me loves the first book so much I couldn’t give this one two. I will probably end up reading the third book, but I’m not near as eager to do so.
August 23, 2018
This is a fantasy story, the second in a series, with a wonderful premise. Silke, the secret heroine of the first book in this series, is a thirteen year old orphan, who lives in a tent by the riverbank together with her older brother Dieter. They sell second and third hand clothes at a market stall. Also, Silke has a job as a waitress in a chocolate shop, her best friend is a dragon turned human, who is an apprentice chocolatier, and Silke spies for the crown princess.
This is as far as I made it, before I started to skim the book because the writing just didn't sit well with me. I am totally blaming myself and not the book for this. You know, there is a time for a book and sometimes the time just isn't right. I might enjoy the series a lot more in a re-read.
This is as far as I made it, before I started to skim the book because the writing just didn't sit well with me. I am totally blaming myself and not the book for this. You know, there is a time for a book and sometimes the time just isn't right. I might enjoy the series a lot more in a re-read.
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March 19, 2019Originally published here: https://bysinginglight.wordpress.com/...
Silke may not feel at home in the city of Drachenburg, but she does have a place there. She has a friend who is also a dragon, and she helps in a magical chocolate shop. She tells stories and writes handbills. But then the fairies who stole her parents away arrive and Silke has to confront her past and spy on them if she wants to stop their plots.
I loved the first book in this series, The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, and I was really curious to see how the shift in perspective would translate. Also, I like Stephanie Burgis a lot as a writer and a person.
Silke has really had some traumatic things happen and the story doesn’t shy away from showing that. Her family has been lost and her place in Drachenburg feels tenuous, always under threat from the established citizens who might turn on her community at any moment. But there are moments of warmth and companionship as well. It felt more serious tonally than we sometimes get in middle grade, without being grim.
Silke herself is a smart, thoughtful character who is competent and knows her own strengths. But she also doesn’t just seem like an adult in disguise. She’s full of competing desires and tensions in a way that seemed very appropriate for someone who has been forced to grow up very quickly but who is still a child.
I loved the fact that Silke is a storyteller, who uses her ability to protect herself and the people she cares about. But that ability is also what brings her to the attention of the Crown Princess who pressures her into spying on the fairy royalty during their visit. Ultimately, Silke will have to find out if she can tell her own story or if it will always be told for her.
The story also asks some big questions about family and home. How do you define your family? How do you know what your true home looks like? But also, what would you do to protect them, and what wouldn’t you do? We see these questions play out across several sets of families within the story, including the Crown Princess and her sister, and the fairy King and Queen. But most of all, we see it in Silke, who has a complicated relationship with her brother and has lost her parents but who also isn’t ready to trust the promise of belonging that the chocolate shop and Aventurine hold out to her.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one and found it an unexpectedly deep look at some big questions of belonging, the tension between expectation and identity, and the importance of diplomacy. While as an adult I could guess that our current geo-political situation prompted some of the storytelling choices, that in no way overwhelmed the integrity of the story. There’s a third book focusing on Princess Sofia that’s coming out next year and I can’t wait!
Silke may not feel at home in the city of Drachenburg, but she does have a place there. She has a friend who is also a dragon, and she helps in a magical chocolate shop. She tells stories and writes handbills. But then the fairies who stole her parents away arrive and Silke has to confront her past and spy on them if she wants to stop their plots.
I loved the first book in this series, The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart, and I was really curious to see how the shift in perspective would translate. Also, I like Stephanie Burgis a lot as a writer and a person.
Silke has really had some traumatic things happen and the story doesn’t shy away from showing that. Her family has been lost and her place in Drachenburg feels tenuous, always under threat from the established citizens who might turn on her community at any moment. But there are moments of warmth and companionship as well. It felt more serious tonally than we sometimes get in middle grade, without being grim.
Silke herself is a smart, thoughtful character who is competent and knows her own strengths. But she also doesn’t just seem like an adult in disguise. She’s full of competing desires and tensions in a way that seemed very appropriate for someone who has been forced to grow up very quickly but who is still a child.
I loved the fact that Silke is a storyteller, who uses her ability to protect herself and the people she cares about. But that ability is also what brings her to the attention of the Crown Princess who pressures her into spying on the fairy royalty during their visit. Ultimately, Silke will have to find out if she can tell her own story or if it will always be told for her.
The story also asks some big questions about family and home. How do you define your family? How do you know what your true home looks like? But also, what would you do to protect them, and what wouldn’t you do? We see these questions play out across several sets of families within the story, including the Crown Princess and her sister, and the fairy King and Queen. But most of all, we see it in Silke, who has a complicated relationship with her brother and has lost her parents but who also isn’t ready to trust the promise of belonging that the chocolate shop and Aventurine hold out to her.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one and found it an unexpectedly deep look at some big questions of belonging, the tension between expectation and identity, and the importance of diplomacy. While as an adult I could guess that our current geo-political situation prompted some of the storytelling choices, that in no way overwhelmed the integrity of the story. There’s a third book focusing on Princess Sofia that’s coming out next year and I can’t wait!
March 21, 2022
Silke has always been good at spinning stories. She gets hired by Princess Katrin to do some cheeky spy work when the fairies come to visit.
Spoilers ahead.
Plot and Pacing
Have I just outgrown middle-grade stories? Surely that can't be the case. I wanted to like this book so much especially because I found Silke to be quite charming in the first book. However, the whole tragic backstory thing and the fairy plot was a bit much and I just couldn't get into it. I liked that Burgis brought in refugees and explained the adversities they face--that was quite clever--but everything else felt a little on the nose and very rushed.
Characters
Princess Sofia really grew on me in this book.
I was definitely rooting for Sofia because that's description resonated with me so much it's not even funny.
Writing Style
There was just too much telling! That was my biggest issue. So many infodumps about how Silke had such a difficult past that she didn't want to tell anyone about. And I felt like things were blown out of proportion quite a bit like Silke's breakdown midway through or how she couldn't believe Aventurine wanted to be her friend when it was Silke who had proposed the friendship in the first book (or maybe that's just me having the emotional range of a teaspoon).
Well, one more book to go! :-)
(Also, someone get me some hot chocolate, I am craving it like CRAZY.)
Spoilers ahead.
Plot and Pacing
Have I just outgrown middle-grade stories? Surely that can't be the case. I wanted to like this book so much especially because I found Silke to be quite charming in the first book. However, the whole tragic backstory thing and the fairy plot was a bit much and I just couldn't get into it. I liked that Burgis brought in refugees and explained the adversities they face--that was quite clever--but everything else felt a little on the nose and very rushed.
Characters
Princess Sofia really grew on me in this book.
Princess Sofia didn't have her father's reddish hair or pale complexion; like her sister, she had light brown skin, shaded in between their father's pinkish white and their late mother's deep, warm brown, and they both shared their mother's beautiful black, curling hair. But Sofia had the king's short, stocky build, square face and uptilted nose...
I was definitely rooting for Sofia because that's description resonated with me so much it's not even funny.
Writing Style
There was just too much telling! That was my biggest issue. So many infodumps about how Silke had such a difficult past that she didn't want to tell anyone about. And I felt like things were blown out of proportion quite a bit like Silke's breakdown midway through or how she couldn't believe Aventurine wanted to be her friend when it was Silke who had proposed the friendship in the first book (or maybe that's just me having the emotional range of a teaspoon).
Well, one more book to go! :-)
(Also, someone get me some hot chocolate, I am craving it like CRAZY.)
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