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Spirits of Chaos #1
Scales
When New York City faces the threat of an ancient evil, a teenage boy must use a magical bracelet to transform into a monster-slaying dragon superhero.
Koji Owens is the new kid...again. As the only son of an Air Force F-16 pilot, he's learned to adapt and survive every time they move. It's not easy starting over with new friends and schools every two years, but when the Owens family makes their final move to New York, Koji finally has hope for a normal high school life - that is, until he finds a strange bracelet in his locker.
Transformed into a storm-summoning dragon warrior, Koji finds himself caught up in a world of ancient powers, secret identities, and colossal monsters threatening to destroy his new home. But these awesome powers come with strings attached, and revealing his true identity could mean losing everything he loves.
With his family and friends now in mortal danger and New York City in flames, Koji must find the courage to become the hero they need and face down an enemy hiding in plain sight.
A comic-obsessed teenage misfit embraces his inner hero in this action-packed adventure that will leave you ready to get your scales on!
Koji Owens is the new kid...again. As the only son of an Air Force F-16 pilot, he's learned to adapt and survive every time they move. It's not easy starting over with new friends and schools every two years, but when the Owens family makes their final move to New York, Koji finally has hope for a normal high school life - that is, until he finds a strange bracelet in his locker.
Transformed into a storm-summoning dragon warrior, Koji finds himself caught up in a world of ancient powers, secret identities, and colossal monsters threatening to destroy his new home. But these awesome powers come with strings attached, and revealing his true identity could mean losing everything he loves.
With his family and friends now in mortal danger and New York City in flames, Koji must find the courage to become the hero they need and face down an enemy hiding in plain sight.
A comic-obsessed teenage misfit embraces his inner hero in this action-packed adventure that will leave you ready to get your scales on!
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
28 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Conway
43 books605 followersNicole Conway is originally from North Alabama and attended Auburn University. She is happily married and enjoys writing as a full time career.
Best known for her international bestselling fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES - Nicole is currently working on a follow-on series, THE DRAGONRIDER LEGACY. Her other published works include MAD MAGIC, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN STARS, SCALES (Releasing Spring 2019), and RENEGADE RUNNER (2021).
Nicole is represented by Fran Black of Literary Counsel.
Best known for her international bestselling fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES - Nicole is currently working on a follow-on series, THE DRAGONRIDER LEGACY. Her other published works include MAD MAGIC, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN STARS, SCALES (Releasing Spring 2019), and RENEGADE RUNNER (2021).
Nicole is represented by Fran Black of Literary Counsel.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 25, 2019
What a great YA read! The more I read, the more I got into the story. By the time I hit 75% of the way done I could not put this down! Koji is so sweet, funny, and adorable!! I laughed out loud too many times for me to count. I also love how the characters became more complex as things went along and I liked Drake the most (besides Koji obvs). He was just so quirky and interesting that I couldn’t help but love him. Basically I’m saying the next book needs to come out immediately.
January 8, 2019
I really liked this book it was really interesting I really liked the concept I have not read any books like it before I like that the story is unique. I really liked the characters especially Koji,Madeline and Drake they were very well written and interesting characters I liked the gradual build up of the relationship of Madeline and Koji hopefully the next book adds more to it. I really liked the story it was exciting and very engaging I liked the not popular not good at much main character that was a good change from most YA I really liked the concept very much. So overall I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more.
-got from netgalley for a honest review-
-got from netgalley for a honest review-
May 8, 2019
"Scales" was an excellent ride through a world where teenagers can transform into elemental anthropomorphic dragons. With action and humour "Scales" was a very enjoyable read. As usual Ms. Conway developed characters that readers can relate and connect to and a world that sweeps you away. If you are a fantasy reader you need to check out "Scales", and if you are not this could be the book to get you hooked!
January 23, 2019
What a fun read this was! It has a good balance of light/fun and serious, of jokes and wise words, of teenage life meeting adult problems. It takes itself just seriously enough that you feel for the characters, for Koji who has to start fresh every year or two because of his dad’s military job, for Claire who is trapped in her rich family’s web of expectations, Madeline who is trapped by her position in the school due to her father’s position, and for Drake who embraces who he is and does his best to look out for his mom even when it means getting hurt himself. But not so serious that you don’t laugh when Koji crash lands, or Drake gets in a good zinger on his new buddy Koji.
This fun story is of a rootless kid (Koji) who finds a magic bracelet which gives him the power to turn into a dragon and over one of the four elements. He’s the son of an Air Force pilot, who is a single parent, and he’s used to moving around, taking care of things in his own life and in the house considering his dad’s irregular and long hours. He’s very self-sufficient, yet he’s still nervous at starting each new school, still worried about how he will make friends considering he always has at least one good blunder on that first day. So at first when he finds this bracelet and discovers its power, he does what most of us would do: take the new form for a test flight! But as the story progresses, he learns about people who might need his help in a tough situation, and must decide if he should help them, how he could while still respecting their wishes, and perhaps more importantly: does he step in for the justice of it, or for revenge?
That is just one of the questions or issues brought up in this book, things that make it even more ‘real’ and relatable to readers. There’s also the aspect of moving to a new school, being in high school, having a crush, what it means to like someone or like someone, respecting someone’s wishes during a bad time and being there for them by listening, and dealing with the aftermath of a bad situation when one struggles to get back on one’s feet, to “get over it and move on” and no longer have to pretend that one is okay (chapter 26). There’s also dealing with past trauma, and how to move through it, if moving past it isn’t possible. And those are just some brief summary highlights/overviews. Ms. Conway goes a little more into detail, providing not only good motivations and driving forces for Koji, but also relatable situations that can help readers understand and work through situations they might encounter in real life.
And there’s the secret ancient magic, with rules that are not readily apparent and definitely not always convenient (far from it!). After all, with great power does come great responsibility, as Koji, an avid comic book reader, surely knows. But you know that turning into a dragon-type person is waaay cool, and even if it means stepping in to fill some big, unknown, strange boots, it’s worth it to see the happiness and gratefulness on the faces of the ones you have stepped in for whether you know them or not.
I also definitely laughed out loud more than once,
I have to say though, the way this reads, the way there’s all these little steps building to direct Koji where he needs to be, what he needs to understand in order to make the right decisions, it felt a little too directed – in fact, I’d say it felt like reading a comic book with a single 12-page issue coming out at a time, where each issue builds on the last, but is also a bit independent as well. It’s not bad that it felt directed this way, just made some of the smaller steps along the way make me think they were the little climax each comic issue often gets. But it’s not like a comic book just for this sort of almost episodic feeling – even the writing itself, the way details were presented, the descriptions written, the action shown and Koji’s thoughts related, I felt like I could be reading a comic book instead. If this ever did get made into a graphic novel/comic book as well, it would be a relatively easy reformatting of the story because of this.
At any rate, this whole story makes me wish this wasn’t an ARC, so I could go ahead and jump right into book 2!
I received this ebook as an ARC from NetGalley. This has in no way affected my opinion or review. Quotes etc. are subject to change upon publication and will be updated if possible.
Typos (subject to be remedied by publication, I’m sure) :
This fun story is of a rootless kid (Koji) who finds a magic bracelet which gives him the power to turn into a dragon and over one of the four elements. He’s the son of an Air Force pilot, who is a single parent, and he’s used to moving around, taking care of things in his own life and in the house considering his dad’s irregular and long hours. He’s very self-sufficient, yet he’s still nervous at starting each new school, still worried about how he will make friends considering he always has at least one good blunder on that first day. So at first when he finds this bracelet and discovers its power, he does what most of us would do: take the new form for a test flight! But as the story progresses, he learns about people who might need his help in a tough situation, and must decide if he should help them, how he could while still respecting their wishes, and perhaps more importantly: does he step in for the justice of it, or for revenge?
That is just one of the questions or issues brought up in this book, things that make it even more ‘real’ and relatable to readers. There’s also the aspect of moving to a new school, being in high school, having a crush, what it means to like someone or like someone, respecting someone’s wishes during a bad time and being there for them by listening, and dealing with the aftermath of a bad situation when one struggles to get back on one’s feet, to “get over it and move on” and no longer have to pretend that one is okay (chapter 26). There’s also dealing with past trauma, and how to move through it, if moving past it isn’t possible. And those are just some brief summary highlights/overviews. Ms. Conway goes a little more into detail, providing not only good motivations and driving forces for Koji, but also relatable situations that can help readers understand and work through situations they might encounter in real life.
And there’s the secret ancient magic, with rules that are not readily apparent and definitely not always convenient (far from it!). After all, with great power does come great responsibility, as Koji, an avid comic book reader, surely knows. But you know that turning into a dragon-type person is waaay cool, and even if it means stepping in to fill some big, unknown, strange boots, it’s worth it to see the happiness and gratefulness on the faces of the ones you have stepped in for whether you know them or not.
I also definitely laughed out loud more than once,
I have to say though, the way this reads, the way there’s all these little steps building to direct Koji where he needs to be, what he needs to understand in order to make the right decisions, it felt a little too directed – in fact, I’d say it felt like reading a comic book with a single 12-page issue coming out at a time, where each issue builds on the last, but is also a bit independent as well. It’s not bad that it felt directed this way, just made some of the smaller steps along the way make me think they were the little climax each comic issue often gets. But it’s not like a comic book just for this sort of almost episodic feeling – even the writing itself, the way details were presented, the descriptions written, the action shown and Koji’s thoughts related, I felt like I could be reading a comic book instead. If this ever did get made into a graphic novel/comic book as well, it would be a relatively easy reformatting of the story because of this.
At any rate, this whole story makes me wish this wasn’t an ARC, so I could go ahead and jump right into book 2!
I received this ebook as an ARC from NetGalley. This has in no way affected my opinion or review. Quotes etc. are subject to change upon publication and will be updated if possible.
Typos (subject to be remedied by publication, I’m sure) :
December 16, 2018
Spiderman in a novel form. Not that there were spiders or webs or any of that, but if I were to compare it to anything, it would be that.
It's the typical superhero comic book cliche - an average geeky teen finds an object that turns him into an awesome (muscled six pack) dragon creature at will. And he has to keep his normal geek identity secret, and decide which girl to fall in love with.
Yeah, that does sound kinda cliche, but it wasn't. Koji, the MC, has some family stuff going on that added a very interesting subplot. All his relationships - friendships and others, were nicely developed outside of his superhero character. I was annoyed at times at the love triangle, but I liked the way it worked out. He chose the right one, and it ended up being about more than just good looks, which I was happily surprised about. Since it ended nicely, and the girls weren't just fluffy airheads, I'm willing to overlook it. Still, this was definitely a YA novel. They're all awkward teens.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot, action, superpowers, and the characters. I wasn't sure if I should read the book at first - I had nothing to go on beyond the summary, but I'm glad I did. The prose was great, and I really enjoyed the ride. I rate it at like 3.8 stars.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's the typical superhero comic book cliche - an average geeky teen finds an object that turns him into an awesome (muscled six pack) dragon creature at will. And he has to keep his normal geek identity secret, and decide which girl to fall in love with.
Yeah, that does sound kinda cliche, but it wasn't. Koji, the MC, has some family stuff going on that added a very interesting subplot. All his relationships - friendships and others, were nicely developed outside of his superhero character. I was annoyed at times at the love triangle, but I liked the way it worked out. He chose the right one, and it ended up being about more than just good looks, which I was happily surprised about. Since it ended nicely, and the girls weren't just fluffy airheads, I'm willing to overlook it. Still, this was definitely a YA novel. They're all awkward teens.
Overall, I enjoyed the plot, action, superpowers, and the characters. I wasn't sure if I should read the book at first - I had nothing to go on beyond the summary, but I'm glad I did. The prose was great, and I really enjoyed the ride. I rate it at like 3.8 stars.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2020
I loved this book, and I’m excited to see how things develop as the series progresses. I do have to admit that I was confused in the beginning when Oceana talked about both having been given her scale and finding it. That part could definitely have been written more smoothly - it felt like two different drafts were being merged at that point, but not seemlessly.
After that point, in the beginning, however, this book just kept hitting high notes. I loved how Koji developed over the course of this story, especially as he realized that having superpowers will have consequences for his life beyond the surface adulation that he might receive. I loved that Drake was stalwart and helpful as they worked together to figure out what was going on.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
After that point, in the beginning, however, this book just kept hitting high notes. I loved how Koji developed over the course of this story, especially as he realized that having superpowers will have consequences for his life beyond the surface adulation that he might receive. I loved that Drake was stalwart and helpful as they worked together to figure out what was going on.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 5, 2019
Late for work...
I enjoy Miss Conway’s books and was looking forward to her latest. The plan was to start with a few chapters, but the characters were so alive that I could not put it down. This is written so well that it does not feel like reading, I can hear the voices and feel the personalities of the characters in my head. It is a fun story that carries you with it. I am sure that I will be recalling parts of the story at work today, when I eventually get there. It was worth losing sleep!
I enjoy Miss Conway’s books and was looking forward to her latest. The plan was to start with a few chapters, but the characters were so alive that I could not put it down. This is written so well that it does not feel like reading, I can hear the voices and feel the personalities of the characters in my head. It is a fun story that carries you with it. I am sure that I will be recalling parts of the story at work today, when I eventually get there. It was worth losing sleep!
December 27, 2020
I had a lot of fun reading this book. New York setting, dragonic super-heroes with flavours reminiscent of Spider-man and Miraculous. Plus, the protagonist is totally adorkable and easy to cheer on. A great cast of support characters, too. Looking forward to getting my hands on Book Two!
April 3, 2019
What a hoot of a tale!
February 18, 2019
I have read very few superhero books, to be honest, i read the ones that just recently came out that were done by major ya authors in the last few years. So my knowledge of this genre is limited to what been shown in movies. I do know this author though and she is very talented in the realm of dragons so when she told me she was mixing superheroes and dragons I was all for it.
I was not disappointed Scales is everything you want in a superhero story that you did not know you needed. You got a goofy nerd guy who is amazing and strong as a dragon, you got stuck up snobby rich girls who have evil parents, and then you got a mystery around magical totems. All of this while our characters are trying to save New York City from being destroyed without revealing their true selves.
Of course, a superhero can never keep their identity to themselves they got to have sidekicks to help them along the way. Their no shortage of that nor does our author reveal all of the superhero’s true identities in this first book. We are left with guessing but maybe being entirely in the loop as we come to the end of the first book.
I really liked the pacing of the story there was lots of action to be devoured, and plenty of character development so that you really felt you know these characters. I like that they are unique and not your typical white protagonist. This story also works out very well cause the author lives this story and can draw from her personal life to really make this story come to life.
I am eager to read the next one and see what else our goofy Koji can get up to in the rest of the Spirit of Chaos series. Time to get your scales on and pick this one up.
I was not disappointed Scales is everything you want in a superhero story that you did not know you needed. You got a goofy nerd guy who is amazing and strong as a dragon, you got stuck up snobby rich girls who have evil parents, and then you got a mystery around magical totems. All of this while our characters are trying to save New York City from being destroyed without revealing their true selves.
Of course, a superhero can never keep their identity to themselves they got to have sidekicks to help them along the way. Their no shortage of that nor does our author reveal all of the superhero’s true identities in this first book. We are left with guessing but maybe being entirely in the loop as we come to the end of the first book.
I really liked the pacing of the story there was lots of action to be devoured, and plenty of character development so that you really felt you know these characters. I like that they are unique and not your typical white protagonist. This story also works out very well cause the author lives this story and can draw from her personal life to really make this story come to life.
I am eager to read the next one and see what else our goofy Koji can get up to in the rest of the Spirit of Chaos series. Time to get your scales on and pick this one up.
February 16, 2019
This was a fun superhero themed book that younger teens are going to love. It's light, fun, has great characters, and was overall, a joy to read.
The story begins with Koji moving to a new city with his Dad and starting a new school. He's worried about not fitting in or making friends. The usual teen angst. He finds a purple gift box outside his room, but with no time to open it, he places it in a drawer to open when he returns from school. The box contains a bracelet and once on his arm, it can't be removed. This is the start of the transformation for Koji.
The story is unique and I loved all the characters and felt they were well written and fully formed. I had a particular fondness for Drake and Madeline and loved how they played such a big part in the story as well.
There's plenty of action and choices for Koji to make as the book unfolds and there were some great subplots interwoven too. The story includes friendship, family, and even love, and I felt the author did a great job of getting into the mind of a young teenage boy and exploring the depths of life in a new city and school. I loved that Koji was a caring and considerate character but still had his own doubts and flaws. He felt real.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the action, the superpowers, and all the characters and look forward to seeing where this series goes.
The story begins with Koji moving to a new city with his Dad and starting a new school. He's worried about not fitting in or making friends. The usual teen angst. He finds a purple gift box outside his room, but with no time to open it, he places it in a drawer to open when he returns from school. The box contains a bracelet and once on his arm, it can't be removed. This is the start of the transformation for Koji.
The story is unique and I loved all the characters and felt they were well written and fully formed. I had a particular fondness for Drake and Madeline and loved how they played such a big part in the story as well.
There's plenty of action and choices for Koji to make as the book unfolds and there were some great subplots interwoven too. The story includes friendship, family, and even love, and I felt the author did a great job of getting into the mind of a young teenage boy and exploring the depths of life in a new city and school. I loved that Koji was a caring and considerate character but still had his own doubts and flaws. He felt real.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the action, the superpowers, and all the characters and look forward to seeing where this series goes.
April 17, 2020
He is clueless when it comes to most thing, but especially when it comes to girls!
I so loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. This is a great one for kids.
Koji has moved several times in his life, but this move is different. It is supposed to be the last one. He hates first day's at a new school, he always embarrasses himself. This time he starts the day by crushing on Claire (the princess of the school) upon first sight. He make a friend, Drake, on the first day which has never happened in the past. He also meets Madeline, a shy girl who has paint explode on her when she meets him in art class. Also a package seems to be following him around, he first left it at home in a drawer, then in his locker at school and finally he opens it when he finds it in his backpack after school.
Inside that strange package is a leather bracelet that once he puts it on he can't remove. This is just the beginning of his adventures, because that bracelet made him transform, giving him scales and claws and horns and wings. Now he has to find out about his transformation and what he can do and what he is willing to do with his new abilities. Also, is he the only one or are there more out there?
I highly recommend if you like unlikely heroes and characters with attitudes, also if you like dragons and possible myths.
I so loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. This is a great one for kids.
Koji has moved several times in his life, but this move is different. It is supposed to be the last one. He hates first day's at a new school, he always embarrasses himself. This time he starts the day by crushing on Claire (the princess of the school) upon first sight. He make a friend, Drake, on the first day which has never happened in the past. He also meets Madeline, a shy girl who has paint explode on her when she meets him in art class. Also a package seems to be following him around, he first left it at home in a drawer, then in his locker at school and finally he opens it when he finds it in his backpack after school.
Inside that strange package is a leather bracelet that once he puts it on he can't remove. This is just the beginning of his adventures, because that bracelet made him transform, giving him scales and claws and horns and wings. Now he has to find out about his transformation and what he can do and what he is willing to do with his new abilities. Also, is he the only one or are there more out there?
I highly recommend if you like unlikely heroes and characters with attitudes, also if you like dragons and possible myths.
December 15, 2018
A decent YA supers story which manages to avoid the heavy reliance on cliche that can plague both those genres.
The protagonist, while explicitly mediocre (or is he?) is not a mediocre white guy. The pacing and tension are well managed (good chapter-ending points that make you want to read on). The love interest has blue-green eyes, but don't they all? That's the YA equivalent of a muscular bare chest on a romance cover: cheesy, but so much expected now that it almost can't be dispensed with.
The superhero side of things plays out pretty Spider-Manish (New York nebbish gets superpowers, is regarded as a threat by the media), but not so much so that it's just a clone. And although the protag, and most of the people around him, think he's mediocre, he's kind and courageous and deserves his superpower; he doesn't just luck into it.
The identity of the villain amused me. It just seems such an obvious play to the prejudices of the teenage audience. But it's handled well, and so are the characters in general and their interactions, motivations, and development.
The pre-release review copy I got via Netgalley was still a little scruffy, but nothing a good copy editor couldn't tidy up in short order.
I will be watching for a sequel.
The protagonist, while explicitly mediocre (or is he?) is not a mediocre white guy. The pacing and tension are well managed (good chapter-ending points that make you want to read on). The love interest has blue-green eyes, but don't they all? That's the YA equivalent of a muscular bare chest on a romance cover: cheesy, but so much expected now that it almost can't be dispensed with.
The superhero side of things plays out pretty Spider-Manish (New York nebbish gets superpowers, is regarded as a threat by the media), but not so much so that it's just a clone. And although the protag, and most of the people around him, think he's mediocre, he's kind and courageous and deserves his superpower; he doesn't just luck into it.
The identity of the villain amused me. It just seems such an obvious play to the prejudices of the teenage audience. But it's handled well, and so are the characters in general and their interactions, motivations, and development.
The pre-release review copy I got via Netgalley was still a little scruffy, but nothing a good copy editor couldn't tidy up in short order.
I will be watching for a sequel.
February 23, 2021
Scales
By. Nicole Conway
P. 300
Format: eArc
Rating: ***
**********************
I received an e-arc from @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
**********************
Scales is a young adult novel about a teenage boy, Koji, who is the son of a fighter pilot. They move to New York and enroll in a private Catholic school. Koji finds a bracelet that attaches to him and allows him to transform into a dragon.
The novel reads more like a Middle Grade novel then a young adult novel, even though Koji is in high school. There were weird plot holes in the novel and other items that seemed like a big deal that turned out to not be important. There were also character inconsistencies. It caused a disconnect with the story.
I have really enjoyed Conway’s writing in the past, I did not enjoy this book as much. It had a lot of potential, and overall it was interesting enough to read. It just felt like it could have been polished a bit more.
By. Nicole Conway
P. 300
Format: eArc
Rating: ***
**********************
I received an e-arc from @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
**********************
Scales is a young adult novel about a teenage boy, Koji, who is the son of a fighter pilot. They move to New York and enroll in a private Catholic school. Koji finds a bracelet that attaches to him and allows him to transform into a dragon.
The novel reads more like a Middle Grade novel then a young adult novel, even though Koji is in high school. There were weird plot holes in the novel and other items that seemed like a big deal that turned out to not be important. There were also character inconsistencies. It caused a disconnect with the story.
I have really enjoyed Conway’s writing in the past, I did not enjoy this book as much. It had a lot of potential, and overall it was interesting enough to read. It just felt like it could have been polished a bit more.
May 26, 2025
**minor spoilers, plot points from later books mentioned**
OH MY GOD, AMAZING! I got all three books from a family member and finished the entire series within a day or two. I absolutely love the story arc!! Koji is like the best character.
Claire (Oceana), I swear to god she is my favorite. I can imagine her struggle as a rich kid.
And oh my gosh, my favorite part is when Koji first finds out what the bracelet is (if not when he catches a grenade LOL.)
AND gosh, the twists! The plot twists! Lmao. When they revealed the cost behind the totems??? Awesome. (I saw a few coming and was still suprised fr)
I CANT GUSH ENOUGH ABOUT HOW IMMERSIVE IT IS THOUGH. This is why I like first person books! She (the author) describes everything perfectly!
Anyway, recommend if you like the other Conway books.
OH MY GOD, AMAZING! I got all three books from a family member and finished the entire series within a day or two. I absolutely love the story arc!! Koji is like the best character.
Claire (Oceana), I swear to god she is my favorite. I can imagine her struggle as a rich kid.
And oh my gosh, my favorite part is when Koji first finds out what the bracelet is (if not when he catches a grenade LOL.)
AND gosh, the twists! The plot twists! Lmao. When they revealed the cost behind the totems??? Awesome. (I saw a few coming and was still suprised fr)
I CANT GUSH ENOUGH ABOUT HOW IMMERSIVE IT IS THOUGH. This is why I like first person books! She (the author) describes everything perfectly!
Anyway, recommend if you like the other Conway books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2019
A toboggan is a colloquial term for a knit cap as well as a long sled. Had to say it because it really threw me when I came across it in this book and couldn't figure out why Koji was pulling a toboggan over his ears.
I found the characters engaging, and the story entertaining. Some passages had my adrenaline running so high I had to put the book down. I finished in 2 days and was sorry it ended.
I had a couple things figured out about some of the characters. Other characters I'd like to find out more. And one character that completely blew me away. I don't want to say what or who so as not to spoil anything.
I can say, I am glad there will be more books coming in this series. I can't wait for the next one.
I found the characters engaging, and the story entertaining. Some passages had my adrenaline running so high I had to put the book down. I finished in 2 days and was sorry it ended.
I had a couple things figured out about some of the characters. Other characters I'd like to find out more. And one character that completely blew me away. I don't want to say what or who so as not to spoil anything.
I can say, I am glad there will be more books coming in this series. I can't wait for the next one.
March 1, 2020
I received this book free as an ARC reader for review.
For me, this book was a roller coaster of likes and dislikes. I loved the opening, when Koji gets called a loser by his cereal, then the book got a little drowned in teenage angst and lost me for a while, but once the action got started and the intrigue picked up I thought it was really well done. A cross between Godzilla movies and Power Rangers…Basically a couple teenagers have some magical jewelry that turns them into dragons... and there is, of course, a bad guy... and they have to fight monsters to save New York City. Poor New York City...it’s always being attacked by monsters, meteorites, or freak storms.
This would make a fun movie.
For me, this book was a roller coaster of likes and dislikes. I loved the opening, when Koji gets called a loser by his cereal, then the book got a little drowned in teenage angst and lost me for a while, but once the action got started and the intrigue picked up I thought it was really well done. A cross between Godzilla movies and Power Rangers…Basically a couple teenagers have some magical jewelry that turns them into dragons... and there is, of course, a bad guy... and they have to fight monsters to save New York City. Poor New York City...it’s always being attacked by monsters, meteorites, or freak storms.
This would make a fun movie.
February 4, 2020
What an excellent ride! This story is so much fun. There's mix between serious and light. The more I read the more I love it. This book is really great.. I like the concept of it. I think the writer is genius! Koji is cute! He felt so real. There's flaw, but Koji was a caring and considerate character. This would be great hit for young reader and a fantasy lover. Thank you Netgalley.
May 27, 2022
Fantastic teen superhero story!
KOJI IS A COMIC BOOK OBSESSED KID, NEW TO NYC, WHO FINDS HIMSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS OWN HERO ORIGIN STORY! SCALES IS FULL OF ACTION AND ANGST BUT IS WELL BALANCED WITH THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF LIGHT-HEARTEDNESS. GREAT FOR FANS OF MIRACULOUS LADYBUG AND OTHER TEEN SUPERHERO STORIES!
KOJI IS A COMIC BOOK OBSESSED KID, NEW TO NYC, WHO FINDS HIMSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS OWN HERO ORIGIN STORY! SCALES IS FULL OF ACTION AND ANGST BUT IS WELL BALANCED WITH THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF LIGHT-HEARTEDNESS. GREAT FOR FANS OF MIRACULOUS LADYBUG AND OTHER TEEN SUPERHERO STORIES!
March 26, 2021
Great new series!
Teens and adults alike can delve into the mysterious world of Totem stones in this exhilarating new series! A totally different take on dragons that will leave you craving more!
Teens and adults alike can delve into the mysterious world of Totem stones in this exhilarating new series! A totally different take on dragons that will leave you craving more!
April 13, 2021
Great story!
Great book with the protagonist’s point of view well stated and easily readable. Not always the way these stories are written. Enjoyable book and will continue reading series.
Great book with the protagonist’s point of view well stated and easily readable. Not always the way these stories are written. Enjoyable book and will continue reading series.
April 19, 2021
Awesome!!
Great book. The friendship and loyalty between Koji and Drake was my favourite part. Koji is great at being the unassuming hero. Who doesn’t love an underdog story? Thoroughly recommend this book.
Great book. The friendship and loyalty between Koji and Drake was my favourite part. Koji is great at being the unassuming hero. Who doesn’t love an underdog story? Thoroughly recommend this book.
December 19, 2020
it was relly good i wish there were more books like this out there!!!
April 17, 2021
Pleasantly surprised by this novel. I like the characters and the story development was really good. I have bought the next book in the series hoping the fun reading continues.
July 11, 2022
dragons
Lots of fun dragon lore mixed with history, revenge, saving the world, teen romance, and villains vs hero’s. Clean. Fun.
Lots of fun dragon lore mixed with history, revenge, saving the world, teen romance, and villains vs hero’s. Clean. Fun.
May 8, 2019
Amazing modern take on dragons!
"Scales" was an excellent ride through a world where teenagers can transform into elemental anthropomorphic dragons. With action and humour "Scales" was a very enjoyable read. As usual Ms. Conway developed characters that readers can relate and connect to and a world that sweeps you away. If you are a fantasy reader you need to check out "Scales", and if you are not this could be the book to get you hooked!
"Scales" was an excellent ride through a world where teenagers can transform into elemental anthropomorphic dragons. With action and humour "Scales" was a very enjoyable read. As usual Ms. Conway developed characters that readers can relate and connect to and a world that sweeps you away. If you are a fantasy reader you need to check out "Scales", and if you are not this could be the book to get you hooked!
March 5, 2019
A toboggan is a colloquial term for a knit cap as well as a long sled. Had to say it because it really threw me when I came across it in this book and couldn't figure out why Koji was pulling a toboggan over his ears.
I found the characters engaging, and the story entertaining. Some passages had my adrenaline running so high I had to put the book down. I finished in 2 days and was sorry it ended.
I had a couple things figured out about some of the characters. Other characters I'd like to find out more. And one character that completely blew me away. I don't want to say what or who so as not to spoil anything.
I can say, I am glad there will be more books coming in this series. I can't wait for the next one.
I found the characters engaging, and the story entertaining. Some passages had my adrenaline running so high I had to put the book down. I finished in 2 days and was sorry it ended.
I had a couple things figured out about some of the characters. Other characters I'd like to find out more. And one character that completely blew me away. I don't want to say what or who so as not to spoil anything.
I can say, I am glad there will be more books coming in this series. I can't wait for the next one.
March 6, 2019
First and foremost, once you start this book you will not put it down! Nicole Conway is one of those authors that has a way to draw you into the story from the very beginning and leave you wanting more at the end! This book is great for young adults, however, I can honestly say that anyone who reads Scales is going to enjoy it. Not only are the dragons awesome but the characters are very well developed and relatable. Scales is the type of book you will find yourself reading again and again over the years!
March 13, 2019
I need more!!
It was so exciting! I read it all in one night couldn't put it down at all! I Trotsky want my friends to read this. I noticed a few spelling errors but nothing major. Just a reminder that we are "human". Therefore I love this!!
It was so exciting! I read it all in one night couldn't put it down at all! I Trotsky want my friends to read this. I noticed a few spelling errors but nothing major. Just a reminder that we are "human". Therefore I love this!!
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