I absolutely love this series and this last title does not disappoint at any level. Stephanie Burgis is an author that always provides a wonderful read, with sympathetic heroes and magical worlds. I will read anything that has her name on the cover.

I loved The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart and could not wait to read this. It is such an interesting story idea and so cute.

I did enjoy that there was more action in this story, we got to see far more of the city and people within it.

I love Stephanie's writing and cannot wait to see what she does next.

Although this book is the second in the series, and I haven't read the first, I was hooked by the title, the cover and the blurb, so decided to give it a go. There are many books where you don't need to have read the previous books in order to understand and enjoy the story in your hands. Sadly, this was not the case with 'The Girl with the Dragon Heart'. There were too many plot holes caused from my not having read the first book, and it really hindered my understanding of this story. This is clearly not a reflection on the book itself, but rather an incentive to go and buy the first book!

Wonderfully fun read, with a delightful heroine narrator. The plot and characters were engaging, and moved at a goodly pace for keeping the younger readers attention. Despite this being the second in the series, and having not read the first, it filled the reader with enough detail that it totally stood alone - although also enough
to tease and tempt me to seek the first volume.

The story is well written though at times I thought the description was slightly overdone for the target audience but any keen reader would have no issues.

Silke, the main character has a gift for words and talking people around and she uses that talent well in the book. It is really about her own history and self-discovery as well as the danger involved with finding out about the fairies as instructed by the princess.

A fun read that would suit individual or classroom reading. The chapters are short enough to get through in a lesson with time to reflect and do some short activity work.

I really, really enjoyed this. After reading and enjoying The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart I was so happy to return to this world for another story. I loved Silke as a character and thoroughly enjoyed her story.

Stephanie Burgis does it again. I love how she writes, and this enchanting read - full of humour, warmth and magic was a sheer delight. Loved it!

We return to the Chocolate Heart, the best chocolate shop in the kingdom of Drachenburg, however where the first book followed our favourite young dragon, Aventurine, this time we follow her friend, Silke. Silke, who also works for the chocolate shop (when she's not helping her older brother at the small stall they have) who has a silver tongue and could either be an excellent media mogul or perhaps a conwoman... however, she is soon hired by the royal family instead.

When Silke first came to Drachenburg it was as an orphan. She and her brother had been travelling with their parents and a caravan of others when they had to cross a forest that was known for mysterious and terrible things... but they were desperately fleeing their home, so they enter anyway. And Silke never saw her parents again, and now lives on the riverbank in a tent that gets burned down every so often (the people of Drachenburg really do seem awful). So when Silke finds a better paying job in the Chocolate Heart (as we saw in the first book) she's overjoyed (especially as hot chocolate is amazing generally, but even moreso when made by Marina and Aventurine) but even she can't say no when the royal family offer her a challenge that, if she were to succeed, would result in her having a home within the castle walls forever.

The only problem is... it's to do something quite terrifying. And means Silke will have to confront her past and her parents disappearance... something she hasn't spoken about with anyone. Not even Aventurine.

In this book we get to see more of the royal family - the highly intelligent and ruthless older princess Katrin, as well as her younger sister who wants to be valued far more than she currently is, Sofia. We get to see other races in this world other than dragons, and we basically get nothing but excellent female characters getting things done, no matter what their age is.

This is a fun, middle-grade romp of an adventure. It's sweet and sassy, and it reaaaally makes you want a super thick hot chocolate while you read.

I must admit that when I requested this book I didn't know it was a sequel to Dragon With a Chocolate Heart. It turns out that this didn't matter, and I think that's the best kind of sequel. The kind where if you have read the first book, you're happy to revisit the characters, but if you haven't the story stand on it's own, giving a background of what has come before in the story.

Silke is a great character, funny, strong willed and determined. Its a story that has everything, family, friendship, storytelling, dragons, fairies, place politics, spies, mystery, adventure...and chocolate!

This is a fantasy story, the second in a series, with a wonderful premise. Silke, the secret heroine of the first book in this series, is a thirteen year old orphan, who lives in a tent by the riverbank together with her older brother Dieter. They sell second and third hand clothes at a market stall. Also, Silke has a job as a waitress in a chocolate shop, her best friend is a dragon turned human, who is an apprentice chocolatier, and Silke spies for the crown princess.

This is as far as I made it, before I started to skim the book because the writing just didn't sit well with me. I am totally blaming myself and not the book for this. You know, there is a time for a book and sometimes the time just isn't right. I might enjoy the series a lot more in a re-read.

The Girl With the Dragon Heart by Stephanie Burgis is a sequel to The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart, but the books are both quite self contained and could be read out of order, if one didn’t mind a few spoilers for the first book being contained in the second. As with the prequel, this is a book for younger readers (or middle grade) with the main character being only around 13 years old. However, it’s written in a sufficiently captivating way that I expect many older readers will also enjoy it, as I did.

Once upon a time, in a beautiful city famous for chocolate and protected by dragons, there was a girl so fearless that she dared to try to tell the greatest story of all: the truth.

Silke has always been good at spinning the truth and storytelling. So good that just years after arriving as a penniless orphan, she has found her way up to working for the most splendid chocolate makers in the city (oh, and becoming best friends with a dragon). Now her gift for weaving words has caught the eye of the royal family, who want to use her as a spy when the mysterious and dangerous fairy royal family announce they will visit the city. But Silke has her own dark, secret reasons for not trusting fairies ...

Can Silke find out the truth about the fairies while keeping her own secrets hidden?

This book follows Silke, who we met in the first book as the friend of Aventurine, the dragon who had been turned into a girl. In the first book we mainly saw her venture into the world of advertising to promote the chocolate shop with hand bills and slightly tall tails. In this book she gets her own story, which does involve the handbills but also a lot of family history and a new adventure/problem. We also see more of the crown princess who runs Drachenburg and get to know her younger sister.

The Girl With a Dragon Heart was a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend to people who enjoyed the first book or readers that enjoy cosy fantasy stories. This one had maybe a little bit more darkness than the first book (and also a bit less chocolate) but was still overall a very fun read.

4.5 / 5 stars

First published: August 2018, Bloomsbury
Series: Yes. Book 2 of 2 of the Tales From the Chocolate Heart
Format read: eARC
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

If you're worried about reading this without reading the first in the series, don't be. All you need to be immersed in this world is this book. The first couple of chapters fill in any gaps that you might need, and have left me wanting to pick up The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart in the near future.

Silke is a refugee and an orphan. She makes a living by working part time in Chocolate Heart, alongside her best friend, Aventurine (who just happens to be a dragon!) One day, when she is doing her shift at her family's market stall by the river she is taken away by royal guards of the Crown Princess, Katrin. Silke's storytelling has come to the attention of the royal family, and they want to use her and her talents to spy on the fairy royal family who have invited themselves for a visit from Elfenwald, the mysterious underground kingdom they rule over. Katrin believes that there's more to their visit than extending a hand of friendship, and whats Silke to find out what it is. What she doesn't know is that Silke has her own reasons for not trusting the fairies. Will her own agenda stop her from uncovering the truth and put them all in danger? Or will she prove to Aventurine that there's a bit of dragon inside her too?

This story was wonderful. Written in the first person with vivid descriptions it was easy to get sucked into Drachenburg and Silke's adventures. I could see the kingdom in my mind as I read each page and quickly empathised with the heroine as she fought for the kingdom, her friends and her family. As an adult, I found the story to be quite predictable but was satisfied by the ending, and I know that children would be hooked into this world of chocolate, dragons and magic!

Many thanks to Bloomsbury for allowing me to access a digital copy of this book for review via NetGalley

Once upon a time in a beautiful , dirty, exciting city full of people and chocolate and possibilities, there was a girl so fearless and so daring that … No, wait. I’ve always been good at telling stories. But this time, I want to tell the truth. The truth is that, for once, my older brother was right: it wasn’t sensible for me to accept the crown princess’s challenge. A thirteen-year-old girl from the riverbank, with no proper home or schooling, setting out to mix with royals, match wits with vengeful fairies and stand up for her entire city? Anyone in Drachenburg could have told me that was absurd. But there’s one other truth I know for sure: if you have the courage to tell your own story, you can remake the world.

First impressions: I picked up the first book in this series, The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart from my local library, thinking it looked interesting but not really expecting that much. I absolutely adored it! So, when I saw this second book and heard that it was going to be following the street-smart Silke, one of my favourite characters from the first book, I couldn't wait to pick this up! I also love the cover - it looks like it will be even more special in the hard copy as it has foiling. I am especially looking forward to seeing what adventures Aventurine and Silke go on, especially now that Aventurine can control her dragon transformations...

This book had everything that made me love the first book, with the added bonus of exploring more of the world and digging deeper into the background of Silke, one of my favourite characters from the first book. One of the strengths of this book (and the first) was the characters, all of whom are drawn with such care and are flawed, realistic and lovable. Even the 'baddies' are given development and motivation, which is great. Aventurine was the main character in the first book and still remains a favourite, although she doesn't get as much attention in this instalment as the focus is on Silke. We find out how Silke arrived in the city, where her parents are and why her relationship with her brother is so strained. We get to see beneath her confident facade to the girl underneath, who is still a child in so many ways.

In a way, seeing her doubts and fragility makes her even more impressive when she uses her quick wits and clever storytelling to talk her way out of a number of increasingly-tighter spots. I also enjoyed getting to learn more about the two princesses, as Princess Katrin reveals how she calculates and controls the kingdom in place of her rather-useless father and Sofia attempts to spy with the diplomatic skills of a teaspoon.

Getting to meet the fairy court, emerged from underground for the first time in over a hundred years, was also a highlight, particularly as I imagine they will play a part in future books.

This book moves at a quick pace, with plans being created, destroyed and discarded almost as fast as you can read them.

It is a rip-roaring adventure, full of girls taking their destiny into their own hands and showcasing the power of intelligence and careful planning, rather than rushing in with all guns blazing (or dragonfire roaring as Aventurine would have it).

Fantastic adventure for all ages!

‘Once upon a time …’ I whispered to myself. It was the way my mother had started all of her stories, every single evening of my childhood. Just the sound of those words had been enough, back then, to fill me with comfort as I’d lain safe and warm in my own bed, waiting to find out what would happen in someone else’s exciting story. Now I whispered the words to myself for strength. I was calm . I was confident. I was the heroine of my own story, not the villain. And no matter what Dieter thought, our parents would be proud of me if they could see me now, travelling across the city every day to hunt down my own happy ending.

What I liked: Returning to the world of the first book, getting to know more about Silke, girls n control and showing their power and intelligence, dragons are always good...as is more chocolate!

Even better if: I wish I had my hard copy already! And, dare I hope for Book 3?

How you could use it in your classroom: Both this and the first book in this series would make a brilliant read-aloud for Year 3 (Age 7-8) plus classes or as an independent read for children aged around 10+ (obviously, there is nothing to stop those younger from reading it if it;s a suitable level or they really want to). The inclusion of dragons and chocolate might entice a few readers and the clever, young characters are excellent role models for both boys and girls.

This is the second book in a fantasy series for kids about Silke and her dragon in human form friend, Adventurine and their adventures when Silke works undercover in the royal palace to spy on the fairies.

I have not read the first book in this series, which would likely introduce Adventurine and the chocolate shop, however this was a wonderful read, even as a stand alone book, being full of adventure and I would highly recommend this book to middle grade readers. Although to me the cover looks as though it is oriented towards girls, I feel boys would definitely appreciate this book as well.

I will have to read the first book now, The Dragon With the Chocolate Heart.

So. I definitely loved the first book in this series. This sequel follows Silke, Aventurine’s best friend, and is written from her perspective. Silke was engaging, funny, witty, and realistic in the first book, but in this book I just utterly fell in love with her. The plot is much less focused on The Chocolate Heart (the chocolate shop where Aventurine works), but instead follows Silke as she is hired to investigate a mysterious delegation of fairies visiting the royal family – and her attempts to find out what happened to her parents so long ago.

It’s hinted at, in the first book, that Silke’s background is less than happy, and she and her brother live parentless in the dodgy end of the city, but it’s not until this book that the extent of this is seen. Silke’s life has made her street-smart, hard, and quick, and has tested her gift for story-telling. She appears at first glance to be your typical kind of smooth-talking, self-sufficient rogue sidekick, but in this book we get to see right to her heart, and it’s the greatest portrayal of a flawed character I’ve seen in children’s literature.

I love Silke so much, okay? She worries; she over-plans; she fantasises about situations and is disappointed by the way things turn out in reality. She’s constantly seeking approval, whether from her brother, or the Princess, or the people at The Chocolate Heart, but she hates that she wants that approval. She finds it hard to believe that people love her as much as they clearly do. I have never seen imposter syndrome written about so vividly and so well. Silke is angry. She’s powerful and smart. She loves fiercely and would do anything to protect her chosen few. She’s so, so clever, and so, so afraid of being found out.

She’s a baby Slytherin, really. She’s a baby me.

I would read The Adventures of Silke Putting The Washing On. I’d read Silke Goes To The Supermarket. I’d read Shh, Silke Is Sleeping. I just love her.

This, of course, is not to say that this plot isn’t wonderful too. Stephanie’s writing shines, as always, with what I’m coming to understand is her trademark charm and masterful control of pacing. The story absolutely rollicks through the fairy visit, and comes together with a glorious set-piece ending that I would love to see animated. There’s plenty of that gorgeous chocolate, too, and found family (in more than one sense). There’s space for a whole series of books in this world, and I hope to see them!

I don’t know how I’m going to wait until August 9th to hold this in my hands for real – I am very excited. If you have a child, buy them these books. If you’re not a child but you still love MG, then read them!

An obvious five starread!

All'ombra profumata della cioccolateria più rinomata del Paese, Aventurine il drago continua il suo apprendistato, protetta da una nuova famiglia: l'inflessibile Marina, che domina la cucina; l'amabile Horst; e Silke, la regina delle storie, la ragazza che è sua amica.

Ma Silke desidera qualcosa di più del calore di questa inusuale famiglia: vuole provare quel che vale, a Sé stessa e agli altri, e qualcosa di più: scoprire la verità di quel che è successo anni prima, nella foresta che ha inghiottito i suoi genitori.

L'arrivo di una delegazione di Fate e l'inaspettata convocazione della principessa Katrin le daranno l'opportunità che cerca - anche se, decisamente, non tutto va come previsto...

Un'altra avventura ricca di ironia e cuore, regalata da un'autrice che, con leggerezza, non teme di presentare figure femminili coraggiose e affrontare temi importanti.

Oh my goodness…another book that had me welling up and smiling through life affirming heart surges! The Girl with the Dragon Heart is a truly magical book, in all senses of the word, and it caught me in its spell.

You know you really loved a book when you pick up its sequel and find you’re full of anticipation and excitement about returning to its fictional world. That’s how I felt with this one. I read the first book in the series, The Dragon with the Chocolate Heart, earlier this year and loved it. So I was thrilled to get a copy of this one from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

The Girl with the Dragon Heart has all the warmth and adventure of the first book but it most definitely raises the stakes, and I loved this one even more. I’m not sure if it’s because the main character is a human this time (as much as I loved the dragon in girl form – who is in this book too), or if it’s this particular human. Silke is a wonderfully, loveable character and a fabulous role model for young girls and boys. It was great to learn her story and ride along inside her head, feeling all her vulnerability, determination and good intentions. And what a fabulous story it is – I mean Burgis adds fairies, magic and storytelling to the already amazing combination of dragons and chocolate. It felt a little like this novel was written for me and my joyful inner child.

It is wonderfully written – at times truly lyrical – with an enthralling plot that offers a surprise or two. It’s so full of heart – just wonderful.

I especially loved the undercurrent of wisdom and humanity. The plot tackles quite complex ideas about power, loyalty and diplomacy, along with the possibility that true wisdom and strength can lie in the heart of a 12 year old girl – just a 'magic-less human girl' – who has known suffering, lives in the midst of poverty and carefully observes the world around her. Oh, and can capture an audience with the magic of storytelling. There’s some really insightful and thought provoking lines that hold real truth, and could offer great discussion points.

This book has all the ingredients of a bestselling middle-grade novel – dragons, fairies, magic, chocolate, danger, wisdom, loss, friendship, courage, several feisty, determined female characters (and some great male ones too), an exciting plot (I could go on) – and I really believe this books deserves to be just that.

WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?

100% yes. I think this is an ideal book for parents and children to read together, as well as one to read alone. It’s middle grade – so aimed at 9-12 year olds - but it’s content is suitable for younger readers who read up, or who are read to. There’s such wonderful opportunities for discussion – so definitely one to share. And, of course, this is also one for all those adults who (like me) believe the best stories are sold as ‘children’s stories’!

Over to my ten year old for her review...


Oh, what a marvellously breathtaking book to be acting as the sequel to one of my favourite books. I love how the author brings Silke to life by describing her past as though it was yesterday. It has unexpected plot twists, including one when I felt like pulling my hair out and screaming, "WHY DID I NOT THINK OF THAT??!!"
It is a great book and I feel very lucky to have an advanced copy. I think that everyone in the world ought to have this book! ❤️📚😻

Silke, a refugee from a terrifying brush with the fairies, longs for the security of a permanent home. Can she use her skills as a storyteller to find out why the fairies want to make an alliance with the Crown Princess, and win herself a place at the palace? Aided by the magical properties of the chocolate served at the Chocolate Heart, where she is a waitress, and by her best friend, who is also a dragon, Silke has much to learn about love on the way to saving the day.
I wonder if I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read the first novel in the series? As it was , there was a deficit at the heart of the story because relationships were stated, rather than shown. Silke repeatedly mentioned 'My best friend, ' there didn't seem to be much evidence to support this statement.; and where her brother was concerned Silke was just unpleasant. However, I think the target readership will happily go with the exciting plot, and will enjoy the action and the magic of the story.

In the beautiful kingdom of Drachenburg, there once lives a bright young girl who told stories like no other human. Silke's ability to weave stories is so good, that even the crown princess has noticed it. And now that she has, she will need Silke to work for her on a dangerous task that requires a lot of intelligence.

The fairies are coming to the Kingdom of Drachenburg, and nobody knows why. Having lived underground for years, the fae are cunning , secretive people, and very, very dangerous. Silke, along with her friends from the Chocolate Heart shop, will have to use all their wits in order to figure out why the faery folk decided to visit their kingdom. But, in the meantime, the bright young orphan will uncover a truth about her own dreadful past.

Welcome to a wonderful fairytale, where all kinds of different creatures coexist. Magical kingdoms, cunning creatures, honorable dragons ; every kind has a part to play in this intelligent plot with a twist of mystery. The Girl with the Dragon Heart is a story about accepting yourself, being the hero of your own story, and standing up for your loved ones. It shows us that family is important, and truth is both necessary and inevitable.

Silke is a unique character. Even though she has gone through a lot of adversities, she keeps being strong and open to love people around her. Never one to back down from doing what she believes is right, she takes on a very difficult task in order to protect the people she calls her family.

The Girl with the Dragon Heart is an excellent children's story, the kind that can be read pleasantly by an adult as well. It is strongly suggested for parents to read this book with their children, as a lot of constructive and wonderful conversations can be made based on what the story of Silke has to offer.