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Avonoa #1
The Secret of Avonoa
Dak’s claws are eager to dig into the planet’s dirt. Though when the rebellious young dragon fails his all-important trials a fourth time, he fears he’ll never be approved to visit the land of humans. But his defiance takes a precarious turn when he secretly disobeys orders and tails his friends on a dangerous mission. Horrified to discover his father will be punished for his offense, he’s shocked when the entire party falls under attack. And as the stubborn firebreather tries to rescue them from tragedy, he becomes entangled in rising tensions that threaten to bring his own demise. Will Dak’s refusal to play by the rules come at the cost of his realm? The Secret of Avonoa is the thrilling first book in the Avonoa epic fantasy series. If you like powerful beasts, intriguing worlds, and action-packed twists, then you’ll love H.R.B. Collotzi’s mythical adventure.
232 pages, Hardcover
First published September 12, 2014
21 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 8, 2014
Have you ever wondered what a dragon would say? It's about time someone gave us this perspective. I loved being inside the mind of a dragon and seeing what they see. Dax does not disappoint, and it was amazing! I am glad that the author still made room to bring the story along from the human perspective also as it was fascinating to go between the views. The book is a page turner and left me excited for the next book!
December 3, 2014
Firstly I would like to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book.Its a good coming of age tale told from the perspective of a dragon . I thought having a dragon as the main character and predominately telling the story from his view point was a very original and entertaining story device. that said at the beginning the main character comes across as a winy angsty teenage brat but as the story progresses you see that he is in truth loyal self sacrificing and has a strong desire to explore and learn with a intuitive mind .I would very much like to see the five swords kingdoms and the story behind the connection between the fairies and dragons further explored and hope very much that this book has many follow ups as its an intriguing fantasy setting only just breifly explained in this story as a side note .If you like dragons this is a must have book .
May 10, 2023
Ultimately this is a story of maturity and understanding with a good dash of adventure! Dak sees things his own way - causing him much trouble with those around him. I enjoyed following his journey.
The author chose to spell certain words differently to make a point of the magical element - but I just found it annoying as I didn't need these differences to support this world where dragons, humans, and magic collide.
The author chose to spell certain words differently to make a point of the magical element - but I just found it annoying as I didn't need these differences to support this world where dragons, humans, and magic collide.
February 20, 2025
Overall, very enjoyable book. I liked seeing the culture and social castes of the dragons. Dak's journey is difficult and littered with danger. In the end, he does the right thing through his silence. The fairies are good? bad? Split factions? Will King Phillip see past his own ego?
On to book 2!
On to book 2!
March 9, 2021
I have two boys, 10 and 12, which love these books. It's great to see the world from the viewpoint of a dragon. We enjoy the characters and the adventures. There's been lots of laughs mixed with tense moments. The novels are all episodes of a larger storyline. I recommend them.
September 19, 2021
This book series is perfect for fans of Wings of Fire, or any book or book series telling the tale from the perspective of an animal or mythical creature.
January 29, 2015
The Secret of Avonoa was an enjoyable read, written from a totally different perspective than books I've read before. I really liked the fact that this book was predominantly written from a dragon's point of view! It made it fresh and exciting and importantly, fantasy with a twist of the original. Collotzi was excellent about translating human emotions to dragons, human actions to dragons and had built a very solid feeling race, with traditions, customs, different cultures and a sound biological makeup, with variations between sub-species/different regions. As a keen biologist, I love that!
My favourite character was Dak, the protagonist. I liked many of the characters (though the dragon's more than the humans. They felt more well built, but, y'know... dragons beat humans hands down so perhaps that's a given!) and I thought that Collotzi did a great job of giving each character an individual voice and personality. I really liked how Toggil was completely different to Priya, who was completely different to Dak - yet together, the three worked really well. Occasionally there were hints of a character voice not being quite consistent, but overall, it was really easy to tell who was who. I liked again, the differentation between the races - humans were totally different to dragons, who were totally different to.. well.. let's just say.. other beings that crop up in the story!
There were plenty of hints in there too, not just at well developed characters, but really comprehensively built world and races. I love stories where things feel believable, solid, real and I felt that in Avonoa. I think the idea of the rock clouds was inspired. Absolutely LOVED that worldbuilding aspect. In places, the only thing that diappointed me was that the exposition did slow the pace in places. I enjoyed reading the 'behind the scenes' type things, that explained actions or traditions (etc), but sometimes, this did distract from the story. I think with tighter editing, this could be weaved into the narrative with a little more skill. Nevertheless, it was important to have it somewhere, because it added to the story and brought the world to life.
I enjoyed being kept on my toes throughout. Other than assuming that Dak was, at some point going to leave the Rock Clouds... I really had no idea what was going to happen! There are a few intruiging hints laid down at the end for future tales of Avonoa. I'm already looking forward to the next installment and to Collotzi's future work. As an emerging writer, she has great potential.
My favourite character was Dak, the protagonist. I liked many of the characters (though the dragon's more than the humans. They felt more well built, but, y'know... dragons beat humans hands down so perhaps that's a given!) and I thought that Collotzi did a great job of giving each character an individual voice and personality. I really liked how Toggil was completely different to Priya, who was completely different to Dak - yet together, the three worked really well. Occasionally there were hints of a character voice not being quite consistent, but overall, it was really easy to tell who was who. I liked again, the differentation between the races - humans were totally different to dragons, who were totally different to.. well.. let's just say.. other beings that crop up in the story!
There were plenty of hints in there too, not just at well developed characters, but really comprehensively built world and races. I love stories where things feel believable, solid, real and I felt that in Avonoa. I think the idea of the rock clouds was inspired. Absolutely LOVED that worldbuilding aspect. In places, the only thing that diappointed me was that the exposition did slow the pace in places. I enjoyed reading the 'behind the scenes' type things, that explained actions or traditions (etc), but sometimes, this did distract from the story. I think with tighter editing, this could be weaved into the narrative with a little more skill. Nevertheless, it was important to have it somewhere, because it added to the story and brought the world to life.
I enjoyed being kept on my toes throughout. Other than assuming that Dak was, at some point going to leave the Rock Clouds... I really had no idea what was going to happen! There are a few intruiging hints laid down at the end for future tales of Avonoa. I'm already looking forward to the next installment and to Collotzi's future work. As an emerging writer, she has great potential.
June 6, 2015
Absolutely terrific dragon point-of-view tale set in an intriguing world which promises much for a sequel. A young dragon, Dak, must find his way in the world after his unthinkable failure in the Krusible, the test for all young dragons to see if they are able to keep silent under extreme hazing, to prepare them for not revealing draconic secrets (basically, dragons' intelligence) when out hunting in the world. Dak and his family group or ruck live in a collection of floating rocks above the human-dominated world below.
There is much to savour in this tale, from seamless storytelling to memorable one-liners about the dragons' view of humans (mammal stink being a particular favourite of mine). While the POV is primarily dragon, there are several switches to a human point of view to tell the tale, but each time the reader is immersed in diametrically different thoughts, impressions and senses. Initially Dak is something of a teen brat, persecuted and headstrong, but then the tale takes an interesting twist as the faerie, who have traditionally been allies of the dragons, become involved in trying to trap and kill a hunting party from Dak's ruck, and Dak risks all to help and rescue his friends.
If you love dragons as I do, this tale is not to be missed. Highly recommended!
There is much to savour in this tale, from seamless storytelling to memorable one-liners about the dragons' view of humans (mammal stink being a particular favourite of mine). While the POV is primarily dragon, there are several switches to a human point of view to tell the tale, but each time the reader is immersed in diametrically different thoughts, impressions and senses. Initially Dak is something of a teen brat, persecuted and headstrong, but then the tale takes an interesting twist as the faerie, who have traditionally been allies of the dragons, become involved in trying to trap and kill a hunting party from Dak's ruck, and Dak risks all to help and rescue his friends.
If you love dragons as I do, this tale is not to be missed. Highly recommended!
February 5, 2015
The Secret of Avonoa is a magnificent quick read. The story follows two memorable characters: Dak and Prince Phillip in dual point of view chapters. In her debut novel, Collotzi does a great job switching around the writing styles to differentiate her two main characters. On one hand a rebellious, but kind dragon named Dak, sets of on a rescue quest, only to discover that life is not as he imagined. On the other hand, a young monarch is determined to see the capture of dragons with the help of unexpected characters. The Secret of Avonoa is written in the third person-omniscient point of view, similar to JK Rowling's Harry Potter series; making this novel enjoyable for young and experience readers alike.
HRB Collotzi's world of Avonoa will not cease to capture and dwell in the minds of its readers; even after finishing the book.
All that is left to say is...I hope the second book comes out soon!
HRB Collotzi's world of Avonoa will not cease to capture and dwell in the minds of its readers; even after finishing the book.
All that is left to say is...I hope the second book comes out soon!
December 7, 2016
loved it, has a nice flow that keeps you engaged and wanting to read more to find out what happens next or to find out more about the characters. Can't wait for the next one.
January 28, 2015
loved the characters. looking forward to book 2
July 16, 2017
I received this book for GoodReads giveaway. This was a great book. I had a fun time reading it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews