The Great Texas Dragon Race is perfect for all readers. It is action-packed and full of dragons, and this is one book you won’t want to put down.

Now, this was a book I absolutely loved. The Great Texas Dragon Race is perfect for anyone who loves dragons, adventure, and great storytelling.

Storytelling

I’m a girl who loves dragons. I have a whole bookcase and a shelf dedicated to dragon books and dragon merchandise. I am known as the dragon girl at the bookstore I work at. When someone asks for dragon books, I am the girl my coworkers direct them to.

The Great Texas Dragon Race is now one of my top recommendations to young readers.

This novel was so good. I love Cassidy and the fact that her family has a rehabilitation farm for abused dragons. First of all, those poor dragons, and second of all, I want a dragon farm!

The dynamic she has with her father and grandmother the way she wants to save her farm and the dragons there, makes her a remarkable character. She enters the dangerous dragon race hoping to win, get the prize, and save her farm.

But of course, the evil corporate conglomerate is also entering. The same corporation is also guilty of dragon abuse. So, the race is made even more dangerous by their ruthlessness and cheating.

Cassidy has to face all these challenges, including her personal doubts, her mother’s past, and her reservations about who to trust and how to play the game.

But Cassidy is a strong character with a fantastic bond with her dragon. And that was just another thing I loved about this novel. The characters have unique personalities and relationships with their dragons. The cast is also so diverse. They come from different parts of the community, giving every type of reader someone to connect with.

Final Thoughts
The Great Texas Dragon Race was such a great read. It was a fast-paced novel with great characters and was a lot of fun to read.

What a fun romp! It delivered like the cover promised: dragons, action, and middle-grade heart. Great book for readers of all ages, but especially those who loved books like Wings of Fire and Percy Jackson.

Whew! This book was quite a ride! I loved the dragons (duh), the adventure (oh yeah!), and the characters (wah-hoo!) so much! I WISH dragons were part of our world like in this book, but because they sadly aren't, we're able to experience what life might be like if they were in these pages. Basically, if you love action/adventure books with dragons, definitely check this one out!

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

Dragons? Yes. Evil corporation? Yes. Non stop action all the way through the story? Yes. I read this in one sitting and it was the perfect book. Cassidy may only be 13 but she is one strong willed and determined young lady who will do anything to win the great Texas dragon race, save her family’s farm and honor her mother, who won the race when she was young too. Defying her father, Cassidy joins the race, meeting both new friends and even worse enemies and tries to do the unthinkable...make friends...and destroy Fire Corp while trying to honor her late mother.

This world the author has bull made me believe that dragons were just a part of our world. I also appreciated the fact that all the landmarks were true to Texas, nothing was made up for the sake of the story. I would love to see future stories about Cassidy and her dragons.

I LOVE this book. A LOT! It is one of my favorite reads this year and I totally recommend it for anyone who is a How to Train Your Dragon fan. Whether you like the films or the books, this story is for you.

In Texas, Cassidy Drake and her family run a dragon rescue farm. Most of their rescues come from FireCorp, a company that sends dragons to the mines or works them to death. Her own riding dragon for an annual race, Ranga, is a small girl used to bait larger FC dragons. As a result, Ranga is super traumatized from her experience and startles easily.

Of course, traumatized dragons are not the only concern. Money is too. Cassidy's mother died handling a poisonous dragon, and a recent scandal threatens the farm's finances thanks to donations plummeting. FireCorp wants to buy the Drake rescue farm, as they have other farms. Cassidy refuses, knowing that FC will buy their soul and never let go. It doesn't help that Texas lobbies keep increasing the fees to maintain their rescue.

The Great Texas Dragon Race may be the solution to their money problems; Cassidy's mother competed and won years ago. Cassidy's dad refuses to let her go, though, because you can die or get seriously injured. He even points out that no sane parent would endanger their child for money. Not to mention that FC-sponsored riders tend to win, as they're finishing high school. When Cassidy's gran falls ill, however, she signs the permission form and gives her blessing for Cassidy to enter the race. She knows Cassidy will find a way, and she's got too much of her mother in her. Soon, however, Cassidy will find out that everyone has a reason to win, and that FC has a vested interest in making sure that she loses. She wonders why, and why their golden boy Ash is trying to be nice to her after making a few bad first impressions.

Cassidy's story hits a lot of the notes for wilderness racing competitions like Iron Will: parent who died working with the creatures they owned, and needing the money. It is better, however, because Cassidy is no melodramatic actor; she's very blunt, to the point, and honest. She pacifies dragons with folk songs and snaps at not-so-friendly rivals in the same breath. The trauma from her mother's death is there, and Ranga at times is no better. Still, she learns that you can make friends and succeed even against impossible odds.

A wonderful read, and I can't wait to see more from the author!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

A fun, fast-paced adventure with dangerous dragons and even more dangerous human competition.

Hmm, I'm a bit conflicted about this book. It is *very* cookie cutter in how the plot and characters are handled. The confusing worldbuilding doesn't help either. Cassidy kept driving me nuts with how...passive she was at times, she always had others doing stuff for her instead of doing things herself. The most she did was enter the race and after that, Ranga (her dragon) and generic side character #1 did the rest of the work.

It's frustrating because I did like the book but so many things about the world were not explained or the writing pushed it aside. It's still a fun book and will be enjoyable for younger audiences but things kept bugging me enough that I couldn't really enjoy it all that much.

NOTE: There is literally no magic in this book. Magical creatures--dragons--are the ONLY "magic" present in the book. Pretend it's a really dangerous race with flying horses that breathe fire--that's the amount of "magic" you get in this book.

From the description of this book I was hoping it would be an action packed and fun adventure and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed the alternate version of current day that was created and felt like even though the audience for this book is younger, the world building was done really well. It wasn't hard to dive into this story and I was sucked in, I enjoyed Cassidy as a character and loved the competition and race aspects. I think this will be a great book for younger audiences that want books that are adventure packed and fun.

This story is about 13 year old Cassidy, who really wants to be a dragon racer, in spite of the fact that her mother was killed during a dragon race and her dad and grandmother really don't want her to go. Cassidy feels that winning the race would be the only way to save her family farm from a greedy energy company that abuses dragons to make electricity. It's an exciting story but I thought the characters seemed cartoonish and predictable.

"The Great Texas Dragon Race" by Kacy Ritter is a fast-paced, action adventure story aimed at middle-grade readers. You'll be rooting for the underdog racer, Cassidy Drake and her dragon Ranga from the get go. She is trying to save her families dragon rescue ranch from the clutches of the evil FireCorp. Cassidy loves dragons and learns that friendship and teamwork is more important than revenge.

This was a fun story. I felt a little lost during a verbal showdown near the end, but otherwise the conclusion was satisfying. Lots of adventure. The secondary characters were important, although it sometimes felt like the author was checking some representation boxes. The bad guy is rather slimy but some supporting characters had more depth. It felt more like a middle school book but I may purchase it for my library. I think some 4th and 5th graders may enjoy a dragon story that isn’t a huge commitment like the Wings of Fire series.

I just love it when I review a book to consider stocking in our bookshop, and am utterly delighted with the quality and entertainment of the story! The Great Texas Dragon Race is one of those stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing, world building, and the detailed inclusion of some of Texas' natural landmarks and locations. I look forward to recommending this book to our younger customers who love reading dragon stories! I love when a middle grade book is written at a quality that makes me, a grown-up want to keep turning pages, and get back into the story at the end of the day to find out what's going to happen next. If it does it for me, I know it will hold young reader's interest. For a debut book, Kacy knocked it out of the park! I will happily buy whatever Kacy decides to write next.!

The Great Texas Dragon Race is 400 pages. But it doesn’t read like that. Author Kacy Ritter has created a world and story that are so encompassing that you feel as if you’re watching a movie as the story unfolds. This would be a fun book to read or listen to aloud as a class.

A lot of that has to do with Ritter’s main character. Cassidy Drake is strong, determined and brave beyond her years. Though the book takes place over a period of days, Cassidy’s growth is notable. Her interactions with the other contestants and the dragons themselves are highlights. And her desire to do what’s right rings true.

The Great Texas Dragon Race is a contemporary middle-grade fantasy that’s full of excitement adventure and heart. Though it’s a stand-alone novel, and everything is resolved, there’s definitely room in the world Ritter has created to explore more stories.

Perfect for middle grade adventure fans, Ritter's plucky heroine takes on corporate greed, bills, and dangers from both beast and landscape as she competes in The Great Texas Dragon Race. Cassidy Drake is trying to save her family's dragon rescue ranch and live up to her deceased mother's legacy by winning this very dangerous competition. I thoroughly enjoyed the many dragons introduced in this book, as well as Cassidy's competition and the challenges they all faced. Her growth as a person was quite important to the story and I could see how this could be the beginning to a great series - I would love to read more set in this world.

This one got off to a slower start for me because I had a hard time with Cassidy’s attitude. She is very strong and spunky, which I like. But she’s also a bit arrogant, compulsive, and convinced she knows better than anyone else. It was hard not to agree with some of the adults or other kids around her who were telling her to slow down or think things through.

It’s a pretty solid kind of character for middle grade fantasy (see Percy Jackson, for example), but it isn’t my favorite kind of character to read, usually.

Once Cassidy entered the dragon race and met the other contestants, I felt like things smoothed out a bit. She discovers that being part of a team means working together, admitting you’re sometimes wrong, and trusting one another. So, I liked the ways she grew in those scenes and was able to connect with others.

Texas is a part of the south that I’m less connected to, so the parts of the story anchored in Texas culture didn’t necessarily speak to me the way I hoped they would. It’s probably because I’m just better connected to other areas of the south, so it just didn’t have the same resonance that a story set in Georgia or North Carolina would for me.

I still enjoyed the Texas setting, especially the ways in which the different kinds of dragons were described as having adaptations or traits that made them well-suited to the Texas climate and landscape.

The race scenes had a lot of energy and really great stakes. I liked that it wasn’t a straightforward point A to B race, but that it had tasks and riddles, too. That was really cool. I also thought the idea that dragons were working animals and the politics surrounding their rights were a big part of the story. I’ve never seen anything like that before.

All in all, this was a fun, really different book to read. It reminded me a little bit of TOGETHER WE BURN by Isabel Ibañez, except anchored in Texas culture and aimed at middle grade readers.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

Ahoy there me mateys!  Set in an alternate modern day Texas with dragons, this book is sure to please its target audience.  Cassidy Drake lives on at a dragon sanctuary ranch and helps her family maintain their rescue dragons.  Dragons are in her blood.  But unfortunately the ranch is barely surviving and may not have the funds to pay the taxes.  Cassidy wants to ride in the Great Texas Dragon Race and follow in the steps of her champion mother.  She wants to win and also wants the prize money to keep the ranch.  Her father worries for her safety and doesn't want her to participate.

Of course Cassidy gets into the race but I have to admit that I was surprised at how the race unfolded.  Cassidy has to learn to deal with other competent dragon riders, make hard choices, and confront her own shortcomings.  I found her to be a wonderful protagonist to cheer for.  This was fast paced and fun. I enjoyed the different types of dragons.

I wouldn't mind having an adult novel to talk about the intricacies of how the world of dragons works.  Arrr!

This fast-paced dragon adventure will keep young readers speeding through its pages beside the riders in the annual perilous five-leg race across Texas. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Cassie sneaks away to join The Great Texas Dragon Race against her father’s wishes. She is determined to save her family’s dragon sanctuary and expose the powerful FireCorp as a corrupt, money-hungry corporation that cares little for its dragons. The unsponsored riders like Cassie face not only the dangerous challenges of the race course, such as deadly creatures, powerful storms, and brutal conditions but also have to deal with the FireCorp team of riders who will stop at nothing to come out on top. There are definite Hunger Games vibes in this upper middle-grade story where Cassie and her dragon, Ranga, figure out who they can trust and how to use their wits to stay alive.

I most enjoyed the non-stop action with a moral dilemma; Cassie needs to choose between what she wants and what's in the best interest of her new allies. The description of the dragons and their characteristics was also excellent and really brought them to life, and they are illustrated in the front of the book.

I highly recommend this book to fans of the Battle Dragon series by Alex London and readers who enjoy an underdog story with high stakes. I look forward to reading more stories from this talented debut author.

Favorite quote: "You, Miss Drake, are not the brightest star in the sky." I raise my chin and glare back at him. "You're right - I'm the ever-loving sun."

I picked up this book because my son is OBSESSED with dragons, and I'm always looking for something new for him to read. When we headed on a family vacation to Texas, I knew this would be a perfect book for him. He loved the drawings. I loved the fast-paced plot and the chance to visit Texas through the lens of a fantastical world. The characters weren't my favorite and I am obviously not the target audience for this book, but living with someone who is, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other parents of dragon-lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy to review. All opinions are my own.

Cassidy Drake has grown up on a dragon rescue/ranch and has dreamed of racing dragons. She is especially desperate to compete now that she can because her family’s ranch is under threat of having to sell out. Against her dad’s wishes, she enters the race and just face the challenges along the way.

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a unique world and I loved all the different dragons the author created. Cassidy is also such a great protagonist. I felt it was fast paced and kept me hooked, so I think it would be a great book for middle grades (and above!). I also really appreciated that there was no semblance of love interest or anything like that. It really focused on friendship and bonds with dragons!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy in exchange for a honest review.

This book is basically How to Train Your Dragon mixed with The Hunger Games and I am so here for it! I love finding a new dragon book that does dragons justice, and this book has so many different kinds of dragons and the author does a great job inserting those dragons into a modern setting. And it was so fun!

I love the competition angle. I’ve never visited Texas but it was fun to “explore” different locations throughout this book, especially with the different dragons. Cassidy Drake is a fantastic protagonist. She has grit and determination, she’s loyal to her family and knows when to offer apologies and assistance. I love how much she grows and learns during this story. I also love how much the side characters get their moments to shine and grow as well. This is truly a well-rounded story.

My only hiccup is that this book is aimed for middle grade readers, but I thought it would have been better as a YA story. Cassidy feels a little too mature for being thirteen, especially with the competition being dangerous and most of the competitors being in high school or college. I think it could have worked better if Cassidy was a little older, like 15 or 16, and there could be more consequences for some of her choices.

But overall, I enjoyed the story. I love the focus on conservation against Big Business bullies and how much depth there is to all the ins and outs of a modern world where dragons exist.

The Great Texas Dragon Race is one of those books that takes you completely by surprise, in such a good way. The stakes are high for Cassidy not only does she have so much to prove to herself, but she also wants to protect her family. She's kind of outnumbered and racing against bigger dragons and competitors who try to bully and intimidate her. Competitors that have all the right equipment and who take every shortcut they can find. I just love her spirit and drive to do better for her dragons and ranch. Initially, she doesn't trust the other competitors, well some she shouldn't, but I really liked how she ends up opening up to them more and more. Especially the relationships she ends up forming with Ash and Laura. Oh, and this race, I'm glad that they had to stop for rest stops, I needed the little breather between all the high paced action. LOL Defiantly a high stakes race with lots of interesting tasks to complete and danger at every turn. Just loved it.

I also quite enjoyed this world that Ritter created and the mix of the Texas desert with dragons. The sense of Cassidy's Texas morals, where there's expressions like "all hat and no cowboy," and "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps." Somehow you think it's not going to work, but then you're getting all caught up in the story and finding yourself rooting for Cassidy too. And dragons, who doesn't love racing dragons? Which sounds fantastical and dangerous and so exciting. The illustrations of the dragons at the front of the book were really handy, but I sure would've loved seeing them intermixed into the story. Reading this you sense all the power, speed and beauty of the dragons, but to have the illustrations right with the text would have been perfect. They can also be fierce and loyal, the comradery that is shared between rider and their dragon was so lovely to behold.

Finally, I really enjoyed the messaging in the story. How it's important not to make assumptions, and sometimes we need to try and put ourselves in someone else's shoes. To see their perspective. How it is "our choices that reveal our character" and sometimes we have to give up what we want in order to do the right thing. To have courage and fight for the things that we believe in. Just a fabulous story that is exciting, and fits this description, " Wings of Fire meets Hunger Games." A debut not to be missed.