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Rise of the Dragon Moon
The princess of a frozen queendom fights to free her mother from the clutches of terrifying dragons in Rise of the Dragon Moon, a middle grade fantasy debut from Gabrielle K. Byrne.Princess Toli may be heir to the throne, but she longs to be a fierce hunter and warrior. Alone in a frozen world, her queendom is at the mercy of the dragons that killed her father, and Toli is certain it’s only a matter of time before they come back to destroy what’s left of her family. When the dragons rise and seize her mother, Toli will do anything to save her—even trust a young dragon who may be the only key to the Queen's release.With her sister and best friend at her side, Toli makes the treacherous journey across the vast ice barrens to Dragon Mountain, where long-held secrets await. Bear-cats are on their trail, and dragons stalk them, but the greatest danger might be a mystery buried in Toli’s past. An Imprint Book "Enthralling, masterful storytelling—a perfect blend of adventure and coming-of-age, and deliciously scary in parts. My head is still filled with glorious dragons."—Karen Foxlee, author of Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy"The dragons...seethe and swirl off the pages. Fans of Erin Hunter’s “Warriors” series will enjoy." —School Library Journal A Junior Library Guild Selection
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2019
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February 11, 2024
6.71. on CAWPILE
January 21, 2022
What a dark, magical, adventurous story! I loved this so much! This is probably upper MG, & I adored it. It’s so atmospheric. Everything about this world is frozen & cold, & the authors vivid writing makes you feel like you’re there on the ice with the characters. You feel cold reading this. So good! It takes a minute for the real adventure to start, but I liked that because it gave us time to learn about this world & characters, & both backstories. I grew invested just from the beginning. Then when the adventure takes off-boy does it take off! So fast-paced, & I couldn’t put it down. There was no way! At the end of each chapter I had to keep reading to see what happened next. The dragons are so unlike any others I’ve read about in other books. So unique & sooooo fascinating. They demand your respect, & you can visualize them perfectly with the authors beautiful writing. Ruby has my whole heart, wow. Lovvvveeed her so much. The backstories of this world, Toli’s & her family’s backstory, the moons, & the dragons are all so imaginative, detailed, immersive, & INTRIGUING! The characters are phenomenal. Toli carried a lot of grief & guilt on her young shoulders. Her character growth/development was superb. Watching her discover who she truly is, what she’s capable of, etc..beautiful! Then her little sister Petal, & best friend Wix are the absolute best too! All 3 made such an incredible team, & their dynamic together was so good! This is full of danger, adventure, family, friendship, grief, hope, loss, betrayal, loyalty, atmosphere, bravery, & DRAGONS. Also, the whole time you don’t know if the dragons are truly bad, or just a few bad apples..keeps you on the edge of your seat with that & so much more. The creatures they encounter on the journey across the ice are equal parts imaginative & terrifying! Lol Highly recommend! I saw 1 review say the couldn’t wait for the sequel? But I think it’s a stand alone. BEAUTIFUL cover by Kelly McMorris as well!💜
February 13, 2020
Polarthon 2020 ❄ Prompt: A journey 🌌
Sadly I didn't finish this in time for the readathon. Oh well, better luck next year 😣
I have rather mixed feelings about this book. It has a lot of good stuff in it, and then there's a fair bit that just didn't work for me. Maybe it's a sign middle-grades just aren't for me. Sigh. I'll test out a few more and see if they're any better.
Anyway! The pros:
💫 Dragons. All the dragons 🐉
💫 Aurora borealis and moons for light in a darkened frozen world of ice 🌙
💫 Fluffy white foxes that pull the sleds. How cool?! 😍
💫 A stolen dragon egg that must be returned to prevent a war between humans and dragons
💫 Surviving the perils of a journey across the open ice
💫 Ruby. She reminded me of Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon 💞
I really loved all of those things listed above!! 🙌 Sounds like it should be an amazing story right? Unfortunately it's bogged down with some mehness that just sucked the fun adventure out of it. I
The cons:
🚫 The MC Toli. Good lord she was so annoying most of the time 😑 Constantly snapping at people, ungrateful, inconsiderate, and whiny. Her younger sister (aged 9) seemed a lot more mature 😒
🚫 Though this should be an action-packed adventure it's momentum is weighed down with long bouts of unnecessary dialogue and Toli's boo-hooing and arguing. Such boring "drama"
🚫 Lots of illogical things that were either not plausible in a world of ice OR would've resulted in people's deaths but somehow didn't. (I know this is for kids, but it should still follow logic!)
🚫 I would've liked more explanation on Spar's condition at the end
🚫 The conclusion of the story, told in the epilogue, would've actually made good material for a sequel. Instead this pivotal plot point, the reason why the human queen was taken is just briefly glossed over. I would've liked to have read about it. instead we just have to assume it went well since Toli is in one piece.
🚫 The Dragon Mother's tests for Toli were pointless and proved nothing, besides the first one.
So overall, the story had potential, but didn't quite reach it for me. Again, I did really enjoy parts of it, and actually would've loved a sequel, but sadly it's a stand-alone. Oh well. Hopefully I have better luck with middle-grades in the future 😅
Sadly I didn't finish this in time for the readathon. Oh well, better luck next year 😣
I have rather mixed feelings about this book. It has a lot of good stuff in it, and then there's a fair bit that just didn't work for me. Maybe it's a sign middle-grades just aren't for me. Sigh. I'll test out a few more and see if they're any better.
Anyway! The pros:
💫 Dragons. All the dragons 🐉
💫 Aurora borealis and moons for light in a darkened frozen world of ice 🌙
💫 Fluffy white foxes that pull the sleds. How cool?! 😍
💫 A stolen dragon egg that must be returned to prevent a war between humans and dragons
💫 Surviving the perils of a journey across the open ice
💫 Ruby. She reminded me of Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon 💞
I really loved all of those things listed above!! 🙌 Sounds like it should be an amazing story right? Unfortunately it's bogged down with some mehness that just sucked the fun adventure out of it. I
The cons:
🚫 The MC Toli. Good lord she was so annoying most of the time 😑 Constantly snapping at people, ungrateful, inconsiderate, and whiny. Her younger sister (aged 9) seemed a lot more mature 😒
🚫 Though this should be an action-packed adventure it's momentum is weighed down with long bouts of unnecessary dialogue and Toli's boo-hooing and arguing. Such boring "drama"
🚫 Lots of illogical things that were either not plausible in a world of ice OR would've resulted in people's deaths but somehow didn't. (I know this is for kids, but it should still follow logic!)
🚫 I would've liked more explanation on Spar's condition at the end
🚫 The conclusion of the story, told in the epilogue, would've actually made good material for a sequel. Instead this pivotal plot point, the reason why the human queen was taken is just briefly glossed over. I would've liked to have read about it. instead we just have to assume it went well since Toli is in one piece.
🚫 The Dragon Mother's tests for Toli were pointless and proved nothing, besides the first one.
So overall, the story had potential, but didn't quite reach it for me. Again, I did really enjoy parts of it, and actually would've loved a sequel, but sadly it's a stand-alone. Oh well. Hopefully I have better luck with middle-grades in the future 😅
July 29, 2018
I felt the temperature drop around me as I read the opening pages of RISE OF THE DRAGON MOON and entered a harshly beautiful world of ice and snow—and ferocious, talking dragons. Set in the northern queendom of Ire, whose queen has vanished to deal with the threat the dragons pose, her daughter Toli, haunted by her own failings, must leave safety behind to find her mother. As Toli determinedly ventures farther into her frozen country, she’s joined by a charming cast of characters who refuse to let her go it along—including one adorable and unexpected ride-along. But the path they take will be full of perils...
Gabrielle Byrne’s gorgeous writing and astonishing imagination create a feast for the senses. Her characters are beautifully drawn and her dragons are like none I have ever encountered: utterly unique and so very real. Meeting up with one of them is not for the faint of heart, and Toli faces that challenge and more in this beautifully thrilling story of adventure and self-discovery.
Gabrielle Byrne’s gorgeous writing and astonishing imagination create a feast for the senses. Her characters are beautifully drawn and her dragons are like none I have ever encountered: utterly unique and so very real. Meeting up with one of them is not for the faint of heart, and Toli faces that challenge and more in this beautifully thrilling story of adventure and self-discovery.
March 9, 2018
RISE OF THE DRAGON MOON by Gabrielle Byrne is a book with so much heart (and my heart skipped happy and fast when I got to read it before its release)! Set in the snow-covered Queendom of Gall, I shivered while reading the passages describing the ice-cold surroundings. But the next moment, I warmed all over at Toli’s stubborn resolve and the way her friends wriggled past all her attempts to face things alone. This story is full of adventure and humor, regret and love, acceptance and friendship. And the dragons!! Their fire blazes through the story, both the legends surrounding them and their interactions within the world of Ire.
RISE OF THE DRAGON MOON is so, so good!!!!
RISE OF THE DRAGON MOON is so, so good!!!!
May 10, 2018
This story is absolutely magical. I didn't realize how much I needed iridescent, talking dragons in my life until I read RISE OF THE DRAGON MOON. Toli, the 12-year-old mc is fierce, but harbors a terrible secret that both motivates her and threatens her ability to trust the ones she loves. Byrne's world-building was PERFECTION, too. I felt freezing cold in the queendom, surrounded by the ice, and hot in the dragon's lair. The kicker? Flying high over the frozen landscape clutched in a dragon's talon. I highly recommend!!!!!!!
April 7, 2018
I like to describe this epically amazing MG fantasy as How to Train Your Dragon + Frozen.
It follows the story of two princesses as they try to keep their queendom alive when their mother disappears on a quest. Set in a gorgeous, icy, dragon-threatened world, this book was both thrilling and heartwarming. I was super lucky and was one of Gabrielle’s readers for an earlier version of the book, and I absolutely cannot wait to read the final version!!!
It follows the story of two princesses as they try to keep their queendom alive when their mother disappears on a quest. Set in a gorgeous, icy, dragon-threatened world, this book was both thrilling and heartwarming. I was super lucky and was one of Gabrielle’s readers for an earlier version of the book, and I absolutely cannot wait to read the final version!!!
October 28, 2017
I was thrilled to read a pre-release version of this awesome middle grade fantasy. An interesting world, an awesome ensemble cast led by Anatolia Strongarm, and DRAGONS! A compulsive read.
February 24, 2021
Oh my gosh! The book was SOOOO GOOOOD! Everybody has to read this book! It was filled with adventure and suspense. I was almost going to close the book for good when I got to the end of the first chapter because she was hunting and I am very sensitive when it comes to animals dying. But I am SO glad I didn’t because right after I would have closed it it became one of the best books EVER! Ten out of ten stars! I LOVED it!😃😃😃😃❤️
January 14, 2020
What a fun and heartwarming story! Here are some of my general (hopefully mostly spoiler free) thoughts.
The main character, Toli, was brave, sometimes rash, but overall very likable. I really felt like I empathized with her and understood why she did things she did. She wasn’t the typical middle grade or YA protagonist who doesn’t want to follow orders or take care of her responsibilities just because she's "different”. I felt like all of her motivations were well explained and developed and I understood why she wanted to be a hunter instead of learning more of her duties as heir to the Queendom.
it’s set in a very interesting world where humans coexist with dragons. Their people fear and honor the dragons, giving them a tithe of food each year. They are always taught that dragons are vicious, bloodthirsty creatures who cannot be trusted or reasoned with. (But is this the truth?) Toli has a lot of anger towards the dragons and these traditions, seeing as dragons killed her father. Throughout the course of the book, she goes on a journey through the frozen lands, but also a personal journey. She grapples with resentment, distrust, and even guilt surrounding her father's death. Toli's experiences drastically change the way she views the dragons, and even her world in general. These experiences really broaden her scope and teach her important lessons, and it was really great to see.
I appreciated the relationship between Toli, and Pearl, her younger sister. I don’t feel like I come across many sister relationships, so this was nice. Toli starts off underestimating and counting Pearl out, or trying to keep her from doing or trying things in order to protect her. Throughout their journey, Pearl proves that she is more than capable of taking care of herself, and Toli learn to encourage Pearl instead of disregarding her.
And if you still need encouragement, Toli befriends a baby dragon. It basically acts like a cat and it's the cutest thing ever.
The main character, Toli, was brave, sometimes rash, but overall very likable. I really felt like I empathized with her and understood why she did things she did. She wasn’t the typical middle grade or YA protagonist who doesn’t want to follow orders or take care of her responsibilities just because she's "different”. I felt like all of her motivations were well explained and developed and I understood why she wanted to be a hunter instead of learning more of her duties as heir to the Queendom.
it’s set in a very interesting world where humans coexist with dragons. Their people fear and honor the dragons, giving them a tithe of food each year. They are always taught that dragons are vicious, bloodthirsty creatures who cannot be trusted or reasoned with. (But is this the truth?) Toli has a lot of anger towards the dragons and these traditions, seeing as dragons killed her father. Throughout the course of the book, she goes on a journey through the frozen lands, but also a personal journey. She grapples with resentment, distrust, and even guilt surrounding her father's death. Toli's experiences drastically change the way she views the dragons, and even her world in general. These experiences really broaden her scope and teach her important lessons, and it was really great to see.
I appreciated the relationship between Toli, and Pearl, her younger sister. I don’t feel like I come across many sister relationships, so this was nice. Toli starts off underestimating and counting Pearl out, or trying to keep her from doing or trying things in order to protect her. Throughout their journey, Pearl proves that she is more than capable of taking care of herself, and Toli learn to encourage Pearl instead of disregarding her.
And if you still need encouragement, Toli befriends a baby dragon. It basically acts like a cat and it's the cutest thing ever.
August 1, 2019
I received an advance ebook through NetGalley.
This charming middle grade adventure explores an icy queendom where the seasonal visits of dragons leave humans wary and fearful. Princess Toli isn't even a teenager yet, but she knows the weight of guilt and loss--the year before, her father was killed by dragons, and Toli knows it was all her fault. She's determined to be a fierce hunter to protect her people, especially her younger sister, Petal. But when her mother the Queen is captured by dragons, Toli discovers that dragons are as complex as human beings--though still far more dangerous.
There's so much to love about this book. First of all, the original snow-bound secondary world is great fun, with unique perils (beetles! the cold!) and a fascinating, distinct human culture. Second, DRAGONS. Can't help but love a book with well done dragons, and there's an especially cute one named Ruby who threatens to steal the whole show. Third, Toli. She's a complicated, realistic kid who is dealing with heavy grief and self-hatred. She's trying so hard, and she manages to antagonize the people who really loves best, like her mom, sister, and best friend. I especially enjoyed how her relationship with Petal changed throughout the book. Fourth, the pace. This is a fast read with lots of action, and the emotional growth is perfectly paced throughout.
Apparently, this book stands alone for now, but I hope it sells well and the author gets a full series. This world has incredible potential to be explored!
This charming middle grade adventure explores an icy queendom where the seasonal visits of dragons leave humans wary and fearful. Princess Toli isn't even a teenager yet, but she knows the weight of guilt and loss--the year before, her father was killed by dragons, and Toli knows it was all her fault. She's determined to be a fierce hunter to protect her people, especially her younger sister, Petal. But when her mother the Queen is captured by dragons, Toli discovers that dragons are as complex as human beings--though still far more dangerous.
There's so much to love about this book. First of all, the original snow-bound secondary world is great fun, with unique perils (beetles! the cold!) and a fascinating, distinct human culture. Second, DRAGONS. Can't help but love a book with well done dragons, and there's an especially cute one named Ruby who threatens to steal the whole show. Third, Toli. She's a complicated, realistic kid who is dealing with heavy grief and self-hatred. She's trying so hard, and she manages to antagonize the people who really loves best, like her mom, sister, and best friend. I especially enjoyed how her relationship with Petal changed throughout the book. Fourth, the pace. This is a fast read with lots of action, and the emotional growth is perfectly paced throughout.
Apparently, this book stands alone for now, but I hope it sells well and the author gets a full series. This world has incredible potential to be explored!
September 2, 2019
After all three of my kids (ages 8-11) devoured this book, I was curious about the story that could capture the attention of all three! They usually like very different books. After I finished this amazing book, I totally understood. There is harrowing adventure, strong characters that were relatable, epic battles, a whole imaginative fascinating world and DRAGONS. It is a real Hero's Journey. Now one child has been inspired to craft his own story line about dragons, another has become more open to reading fantasy books, and the third I caught pondering the "redeemable" features of his two younger siblings LOL.
January 22, 2019
This was the perfect book to read during a January snowstorm, but the atmospheric setting will surely come through even if you read it in August. Toli was such a realistic heroine, faults and all, and the cast of supporting characters (that includes some excellent antagonists) round out the whole story. I'll admit that my favorite character was a certain dragon! Best of all, the writing was absolutely gorgeous, capturing the gorgeous setting with words to match. A great read for all MG fantasy and adventure fans!
September 24, 2021
The ice never forgives. The ice never forgets. You cannot bend its will. You will break trying.
This is a compelling and riveting fantasy book filled with sumptuous language, a compelling and unique world, and characters who are not predictable. I would put this in the upper middle-grade category, and am looking forward to teaching it to my dragon-loving creative writing students! There is definitely room in this world, and with these characters, for a sequel. Let’s hope so! The cover art by Kelley McMorris is stunning!
This is a compelling and riveting fantasy book filled with sumptuous language, a compelling and unique world, and characters who are not predictable. I would put this in the upper middle-grade category, and am looking forward to teaching it to my dragon-loving creative writing students! There is definitely room in this world, and with these characters, for a sequel. Let’s hope so! The cover art by Kelley McMorris is stunning!
February 12, 2025
This book= Over dramatized scavengers from Wings of Fire
This book was.. a wild ride. It was a lot (AND I MEAN A LOT) like Wings of Fire.
I mean, the Queen format was VERY similar; the only different thing is the Frost, Stone, and Sky system. Also, here is what characters they would be in Wings of Fire: Krala: Scarlet. Bola: Ruby. Dral: Vermilion, ETC.
Overall, it was a pretty good book though the writing was... TO dramatic.
My favorite characters where probably Ruby and Bola.
I hope there's a book 2, because this was a cliff hanger.
This book was.. a wild ride. It was a lot (AND I MEAN A LOT) like Wings of Fire.
I mean, the Queen format was VERY similar; the only different thing is the Frost, Stone, and Sky system. Also, here is what characters they would be in Wings of Fire: Krala: Scarlet. Bola: Ruby. Dral: Vermilion, ETC.
Overall, it was a pretty good book though the writing was... TO dramatic.
My favorite characters where probably Ruby and Bola.
I hope there's a book 2, because this was a cliff hanger.
August 18, 2021
Toli's animosity toward dragons stems from the death of her father. She is determined that she will protect the kingdom and keep her sister safe. The ice never forgives - the ice never forgets - and Toli doesn't want to either. I am already eager for a sequel.
July 19, 2020
I cannot say enough good things about this novel. I loved all of it - the suspense, the dragons, the sibling dynamics, the adventure. Gabby is such a talented author and what a fantastic debut!!
November 15, 2018
There's a lot to love about this charming book, but one word of advice: have a cozy blanket nearby before you crack it open. The writing is so crisp, and the scenes so vivid, you'll want to cuddle up as you read about the princess's daring, cold weather adventures to save her mother/people and the unexpected friendships she develops along the way. I mean sure, you've met other dragons in other books. But you haven't met these dragons. And trust me, you'll want to.
July 12, 2019
I received an arc of this book on netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The premise was interesting... it just didn't live up to my expectations as a dragon book. The guilt part seemed kind of weak to me and like are the dragons ever going to be good?
The premise was interesting... it just didn't live up to my expectations as a dragon book. The guilt part seemed kind of weak to me and like are the dragons ever going to be good?
June 12, 2020
Rise of the Dragon Moon by Gabrielle K. Byrne, 306 pages. Imprint (Macmillan), 2019. $23.
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Toli, 12yo, may the queen-in-waiting, but she is much more concerned with proving her prowess on the battlefield. Specifically her skill at perhaps taking down the source of their Queendom’s problems – dragons! A year earlier a dragon killed her father. Now, a dragon has invaded the Queendom and taken the queen. Toli is determined to rescue her mother and kill a dragon. Her younger sister and her best friend refuse to let her leave them behind. Together they brave the frozen wastelands of the far north and the anger and manipulations of a rogue dragon with ulterior motives. Oh – did I mention that Toli is taking along a baby dragon whose chrysalis she discovered in a remote cave?
A good optional purchase for libraries with lots of fantasy readers. I especially like Toli learning that there is more than one way to see the same incident. The little dragon, Ruby, is also cute. For the rest, it drags a bit at the beginning, so slower readers will be less inclined to continue reading.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Content: G
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Toli, 12yo, may the queen-in-waiting, but she is much more concerned with proving her prowess on the battlefield. Specifically her skill at perhaps taking down the source of their Queendom’s problems – dragons! A year earlier a dragon killed her father. Now, a dragon has invaded the Queendom and taken the queen. Toli is determined to rescue her mother and kill a dragon. Her younger sister and her best friend refuse to let her leave them behind. Together they brave the frozen wastelands of the far north and the anger and manipulations of a rogue dragon with ulterior motives. Oh – did I mention that Toli is taking along a baby dragon whose chrysalis she discovered in a remote cave?
A good optional purchase for libraries with lots of fantasy readers. I especially like Toli learning that there is more than one way to see the same incident. The little dragon, Ruby, is also cute. For the rest, it drags a bit at the beginning, so slower readers will be less inclined to continue reading.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
June 6, 2020
Wasn’t a fan of the protagonist’s constant self loathing. A lot of the other characters felt flat as well.
July 16, 2019
ARC provided by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group via NetGalley for an honest review.
Let’s start off with that absolutely gorgeous cover! I love it and I know it will attract a lot of readers to it. It really gives you an overall feel of the book too. This is a book full of adventure and of course dragons. It has a strong female protagonist, who is also feisty and brave.
Toli is the sole narrator of this story, and it was a delight to spend time with her. She has her flaws, she was deeply affected by her father’s death, which she feels guilty about as well. She is not afraid to stand up for herself when it counts, and is very brave to undertake the journey to the mountains on her own. Toli is surrounded by many caring adults, who would have been happy to help her, but of course she doesn’t go that route. She does grudgingly accept the help of her younger sister and friend Wix, and it was a good thing she did too. They both contributed a great deal to their survival on the trip. I really liked both of these characters as well. They were a great support for Toli on her journey.
The world this story is set in is very interesting. It is similar to the Arctic, in that it appears to be frozen all of the time, with very little sunlight. I was a little bit confused with the references to the Daughter Moon and the Father Moon. Were they both moons? or was one of them a sun? There is nothing mentioned about a sun, but the Father Moon seemed like that was what it was? A little confusing. But otherwise a very creative and well done world, with interesting creatures and plants to populate it.
Which brings us to the dragons. They were very fierce creatures, with their own culture and issues. There were some very evil dragons and some that seemed to be good, and of course some that you are never quite sure about, like the Queen Mother. They all had very distinct personalities, which I really enjoyed. Little Ruby, the baby dragon Toli finds and rescues, was just adorable. Being a baby she had no clue about the issues between the humans and dragons. So she attached herself to Toli, because she was kind to her. Loved the relationship that developed between them.
The overall plot and writing were good. The pacing and flow were good. I had a hard time putting the book down as I was just as excited as the characters about the journey and how everything was going to work out in the end. There were a couple of instances where the narrative stalled or got confusing, but for the most part the writing was quite good. The plot kept you invested in the characters and the outcome of the story as well.
This is a stand alone, but the ending was open ended enough for there to be a series. I certainly hope so. I would love to see how Toli grows into her new role and what happens to her and the dragons. A good debut middle grade book that will be enjoyed by many dragon fans.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
Let’s start off with that absolutely gorgeous cover! I love it and I know it will attract a lot of readers to it. It really gives you an overall feel of the book too. This is a book full of adventure and of course dragons. It has a strong female protagonist, who is also feisty and brave.
Toli is the sole narrator of this story, and it was a delight to spend time with her. She has her flaws, she was deeply affected by her father’s death, which she feels guilty about as well. She is not afraid to stand up for herself when it counts, and is very brave to undertake the journey to the mountains on her own. Toli is surrounded by many caring adults, who would have been happy to help her, but of course she doesn’t go that route. She does grudgingly accept the help of her younger sister and friend Wix, and it was a good thing she did too. They both contributed a great deal to their survival on the trip. I really liked both of these characters as well. They were a great support for Toli on her journey.
The world this story is set in is very interesting. It is similar to the Arctic, in that it appears to be frozen all of the time, with very little sunlight. I was a little bit confused with the references to the Daughter Moon and the Father Moon. Were they both moons? or was one of them a sun? There is nothing mentioned about a sun, but the Father Moon seemed like that was what it was? A little confusing. But otherwise a very creative and well done world, with interesting creatures and plants to populate it.
Which brings us to the dragons. They were very fierce creatures, with their own culture and issues. There were some very evil dragons and some that seemed to be good, and of course some that you are never quite sure about, like the Queen Mother. They all had very distinct personalities, which I really enjoyed. Little Ruby, the baby dragon Toli finds and rescues, was just adorable. Being a baby she had no clue about the issues between the humans and dragons. So she attached herself to Toli, because she was kind to her. Loved the relationship that developed between them.
The overall plot and writing were good. The pacing and flow were good. I had a hard time putting the book down as I was just as excited as the characters about the journey and how everything was going to work out in the end. There were a couple of instances where the narrative stalled or got confusing, but for the most part the writing was quite good. The plot kept you invested in the characters and the outcome of the story as well.
This is a stand alone, but the ending was open ended enough for there to be a series. I certainly hope so. I would love to see how Toli grows into her new role and what happens to her and the dragons. A good debut middle grade book that will be enjoyed by many dragon fans.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
June 26, 2025
Rise of the Dragon Moon is Gabrielle K. Byrne’s debut novel, and I stumbled upon it at the library where I work. I love children’s fantasy and figured this was right up my alley, and I’m so glad I picked this up. What a treat! Toli is a young warrior princess whose mother gets kidnapped by dragons, and she sets off on a rescue mission through a treacherous land of ice and never-ending auroras. Such fantastic world building too! We’re never sure if we should trust the dragons or give them the benefit of the doubt. I felt like there should definitely be a sequel to this because the ending sets it up so that there’s another world to explore, and I want to revisit these characters. I adore Toli. She was the perfect mix of stubborn, driven and completely in over her head. Her good-natured best friend Wix made a great side character, but her firecracker little sister Petal was my favorite character. Actually, maybe Ruby her pet baby dragon was my favorite. I was so sad and worried about her at one point! I do hope Byrne writes a sequel to this with Toli meeting the people of the south and seeing the sea dragons. I’d pick that up in a heartbeat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2019
Set in a world surrounded by ice, this story of young, fierce, Princess Anatolia grabbed my attention and never let it go. Devastated by the recent death of her father, Toli is angry with the dragons who killed him, and who have a hold over her people, expecting a yearly tithe of food. When her mother is taken by the Queen Dragon, Toli sets out to get her back on her own, but her younger sister and best friend secretly join her. Together they run from the creatures living on the ice. They bargain with dragons, and they learn secrets from the past which just may change the future of their world. I loved Toli's spirit, and ached for the grief and guilt she carried with her. Kudos to to this heart-driven fantasy.
August 8, 2019
Rise of the Dragon Moon is a fantastical coming of age story in which a young princess must come to grips with guilt and regret from her past to achieve something wonderful for her future. This heartwarming tale of perseverance nestles within a fairy tale worth of enchanting characters and a delightfully imaginative society of dragons. While dragons are more common than pigeons in middle grade, Gabrielle Byrne's creativity breathes new life into the beloved creatures. All these wonders are deftly weaved together to create a memorable tale that will leave many smiles on the face of its readers.
February 6, 2021
Toli is heir to the throne. In a land of eternal ice and snow, survival is difficult, especially when dragons live nearby. Toli knows better than most how dangerous they can be. Dragons killed her father, and they’ve now kidnapped her mother. Determined to get her mother back, Toli leaves her queendom to find her, only to find a newly-hatched baby dragon instead. Toli knows it might be a baby, but it’s still a blood-thirsty monster, isn’t it? But then why is it so sweet?
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To read my full review, visit my blog here: https://stephsstoryspace.wordpress.co...
September 29, 2019
This is a very exciting adventure book about Toli, who is the first born princess in a clan of ice dwellers. They get their heat from dragons and so they spend a lot of time figuring out how to make the dragons happy. Before the story starts, Toli's dad is killed by the dragons and Toli blames herself. When the dragons kidnap her mother, the queen, Toli sets out to try to rescue her. This was a terrific adventure story with some excellent plot twists. I think the kids are going to like this one a lot.
November 19, 2019
This book did a couple of things that I really love in books, then did a couple of things I don't enjoy so much. I love the use of metaphors and sayings unique to this world. I love sister relationships, especially ones that are so twisty. I love dragons, and this had dragon characters with their own motivations (and they talk!). The major plot point I didn't like
May 13, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. This one has a pretty familiar feel to it. Princess Anatolia - “Toli” - of the Queendom, harbors a bitter secret. She believes that was the reason her father’s death in a battle against the dragons who oppress her people. When her mother is taken by the Dragon Mother, she steals off to rescue her. With a couple stowaways on her sled and a dragon egg, Toli gets more than she bargained for - as well as new information about her father’s death. This is a good one for fans of female leads who kick some butt, as well as dragon fans. Good for grades 5-8.
February 14, 2021
3.5 stars. Fantasy for ages 8-12, but for my library I changed it to ages 9-12. It is more complicated and the language is more mood-setting/other-wordly. There are also things hinted at that you have to remember later, or understand how they fit. The last dragon book I read was for ages 10-12, but was much more straight-forward than this one. This one was also darker and more menacing. Strong female characters, interesting world, complicated dragon society, exciting. There is death, violence, and characters grow/change. Happy ending.
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