The Last of the Firedrakes

16-year-old Aurora Darlington hasn't had a life worth bragging about. Not only is she an orphan, she is bullied at school and hated by her Aunt and Uncle.

When she is kidnapped through a magical portal with mages, faeries and a evil Queen looking to kill her, Aurora's old life isn't so bad.

Determined to learn the truth of her past and take control of her future, Aurora must fight through ancient magic and a complicated political war.

Unexpected joy came out of reading this book. It was extremely perfect in every sense of the word. Let's start with the pace of the novel. In every chapter there was something going on; this doesn't necessarily mean heart dropping action on every page but what the author did was made it so you didn't feel like something valuable was missing. No, this did not lead to predictability because there wasn't any in this book.

I liked Aurora. What I loved about her was the fact that she was a 16 year old girl with a huge responsibility on her back. In most YA books it is hard to tell the age of the characters even though it is stated but the author reminded the reader that Aurora was a young girl not with reckless actions but with her frustration in not wanting to do things. I liked Aurora because she was smart with a mixture of rebellion. I didn't even mind her getting into things she couldn't finish because she was naive and again 16.

I like how the book didn't solely focus on romance; it was there but it was done in a way that I appreciated. I grew to love Aurora and her budding romance.

I have no complaints with this book. I was not expecting such a well created picture with a simple and reoccurring theme. This book is in its own category and it should be read by everyone who loves magic.

Looking forward to book two. Hope I don't have to wait long.

5 Pickles

I have found a great new author and series called The Last of the Firedrakes by Farah Oomerbhoy if you like Fantasy or SciFi you will love this one. I couldn't stop reading once I started the story sucked me in and I keep having to read "only a few more pages". I find a lot of new fantasy series books start out slow because the author has to explain their world but this author let you learn about the world with the main character so the book could more at a fast pace and do the world building the reader needs, but I can't say much more or I would start having to give spoiler warnings. Now I just have to wait to find out what happens in the next book.

"The Last of the Firedrakes" is absolutely captivating. I was tempted to be cynical about certain aspects of the story - but found myself too addicted not to continue reading. Looking forward to the next installment.

What a wonderful book. I think this is a great first book, I look forward to the next one!!

**SOME SPOILERS**

Aurora was adopted fifteen years ago, she never knew who her parents were. She vaguely remembered her mother. She was adopted by her fathers family and they treated her like trash. She's sixteen and all of her life they have acted like she doesn't exist and are mean to her. She finds out her uncle has sold her to a Lord Oblek! And this man walks out of a tapestry in the library at Redstone Manor where they went for a mini vacation.

Aurora gets dragged through the tapestry into a world of Kings, Queens, Fae, Pegusus, and random other creatures. She finds out she is the Heir of Illiador. Her father was the King, before his half sister, Morgana killed him for the throne. She apparently killed her mother, Elayna as well. Her mother was a Fae with great powers, her grandmother, Izadora is the Queen of the Fae and the most powerful.

Morgana hired Oblek to bring Aurora to her so she could be killed as well. But, this turns out to be a great adventure and not as easy as Morgana was hoping. Aurora is saved by Rafe (love interest) and brought to Pixie Bush with Kalen, a boy that he was originally breaking out of the cell.

She finds out she has a grand uncle, the Duke of Silverthorne, named Gabriel. He's a very nice man. She also has an aunt and cousin as well. I love these characters! There are several that I love and they bring spice to the book. She also comes in contact with a pegusus named Snow who becomes her best friend.

Duke Gabriel tells her she has powers. More than she could ever know..not giving away that spoiler! Her family gave her an amulet she has always worn that actually hides her powers. Her grand uncle decides to try to train her in magic, but then decides to send her to Evolon, a school for mages instead.

Ultimately, she finds many enemies at the school, a best friend, Vivienne and a school teacher who is on her side. But Aurora jumps the gun a little when she is bullied and gives away who and what she really is. I can't say I blame her because she is most powerful and these other kids are jerks!

There is a great Quest they all go on and I really want to see where this is going to lead. Some great things happens and some very bad things happened to make this Quest harder!

I loved how the author described the setting and this world in depth, but not too much to get boggled down!

**I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for an opportunity to read this ARC!**

www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1319117947

Book: The Last of the FireDrakes Author: Farah Oomerbhoy Rating: 5 Out of 5 Stars

Review is also on Goodreads. Amazon will not let me post it there yet, since this is an ARC.
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was pulled into this book right away. There was just something about it that really, really made it impossible for me to put down. I loved the simple, but elegant detail that Farah put into it. The world that she created has this amazing sense of fantasy. It's not like Narina, but it is a world that will have readers wanting to visit. It was just the prefect mix of light and dark. However, the sense of hope is never far gone from the book, even in the darkest of times.

There was just so many different things going on-some many mini plots, the major plots, and conflicts. Each was different and so well done. The characters all functioned in the same way as the plot-different and well rounded. There really was not a weak link in any part of this story. Even the journeys were filled with fun, dangerous, and excited twists and turns. It just really was attention getting and keeping.

I just hope that the author does not take this the wrong way. I found that this book had many echoes to Harry Potter. A main character gets thrown into a magical world that they didn't know existed, has an enemy that is on the Dark Side, two amazing best friends, and is close to the Headmaster. This is not a bad thing. Look at how successful Harry Potter is! This book has a lot of potential to be something like that. Harry Potter is my favourite series and I am always looking for something in that same genre. It just makes me want grab it up and read it. It is just so prefect.

I really liked Aurora. She was a very nature and strong lead character. She wasn't perfect, but she did own up to every mistake that she made and tried to better both herself and the kingdom. She also had the same feelings of a seventeen year old, but I think that she handled everything with a certain amount of class.

I also liked Rafe. Out of all the males in the book, he was my favourite. I didn't think he was quiet as mature as Aurora, but he was still well done. The twist about him really was not all that surprising to me. I figured it out long before Farah revealed the truth, but it was still good. When this book is out, I think readers will be in for a treat. Even though this is young adult, older readers will love it. This is the perfect book for fans of fantasy-if you don't mind cliff hangers. Speaking of that, when does the next book come out? Does anyone know?

You know those series where you finish the first book, and get that urge to immediately track down and read the next one? This is totally that kind of book. Unfortunately the 2nd book isn’t published yet.

It starts out totally believably for anyone who was ever picked on or bullied in school. I immediately identified with Aurora, and got that sinking feeling when I read about what happened to her in school with the cute and popular boy.

Shortly after that, the magic part of the fantasy began. And from there it was a total ‘I don’t want to put this book down‘ experience. I LOVED the descriptions in the book. I really really liked Rafe as a character (and totally guessed who he was early on!) I liked the way the magic system worked, and the magical creatures we got to meet.

Aurora behaved in ways that were believable, both for her age as well as the situations she was put into. All the other characters had that three-dimensional feel as well. Strengths, flaws, likes and dislikes. There were quite a few twists I didn’t see coming, as well as the one I did. I liked Kalen, he acted like a child at times and just had this innocent-seeming personality. Gabriel and Snow were also some of my favorite characters. But Rafe and Aurora were my favorites. I want to see what happens with them next.

Honestly, I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in this series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy, adventure, and a little bit of romance.

This is a great book! It was magical, exciting, and I can't wait for the next one. Aurora, Rafe, Mrs Plumpleberry, and the gang are characters to fall in love with. This is a fantastic debut.

The Last of the Firedrakes was a pleasant surprise. I thought the blurb sounded interesting but was afraid that I was going to be disappointed with the actual story. Luckily that was not the case. Aurora hasn’t had an easy life, her parents were killed when she was young and she was adopted. Then her adopts parents die and she goes to live with her aunt and uncle who don’t seem to like her all that much. She’s only 16 and has already dealt with more than most adults.

She’s pulled out of school one day by her uncle and taken on a trip. It turns out that he’s selling her to someone named Oblek. It’s at this point that Aurora finds out that the world isn’t quite what she thought it was, she’s transported to a new world through the tapestry where magic rules.
I enjoyed the story very much. I really liked Kalen, her friend, and Rafe her love interest. I’m hoping there are more books to come because I really want to see where the story goes.

Aurora's loving adoptive parents die in a tragic car accident, she is then sent to live with her adoptive aunt & uncle. She is unloved by her new guardians, bullied at school and utterly alone in the world. That is until Aurora is whisked away to Redstone Manor on a spur of the moment "family trip" and unexpectedly thrust into the world of Avalonia. An astoundingly beautiful more vibrant world filled with magic. Oh I must mention, there's a map! I LOVE when there are maps in books! I am including the map down below.

Farah weaves together the two worlds beautifully, creating a completely original plot with a diverse cast of characters. Such fantastical world-building! I've been waiting for a book like this! You have characters ranging from basic mundane humans, mages, faeries, shape-shifters and everything in-between! Don't let the humans fool you though, they have plenty up their sleeves!

Oh the romance in this book! I have one word for you: RAFE! He's a very mysterious mage who quickly becomes a very important part of Aurora's life. I know as a reader I like to be surprised as I am reading so please do me a favor and JUST TRUST ME HERE, READ THIS BOOK!

I just loved Aurora's friend Vivienne, she doesn't miss anything! I think her and Erien, Aurora's cousin would make the cutest couple! I wouldn't mind seeing a Novella centering on those two characters!

Above all else my favorite thing about this book is the astounding character development we get to see with Aurora. In the beginning she appears weak. In reality she's not weak, she is grieving and feels utterly alone in the world. This book shows us how important it is to have people in your life who love & support you. Family and friendships make us stronger. Aurora is such an admirable character, her thinking is wonderful, no matter what your race or class everyone deserves to be treated equally. I also like how she's not perfect, she's flawed just like everyone else.

I had a lot of fun reading The Last of the Firedrakes. While reading I thought "Wow I just love the place names in this book!" then a couple of pages over Aurora talks about how she just loves the place names too, I couldn't agree more with you Aurora! I will let you, the reader discover some of them for yourself as you explore the world of Avalonia throughout the novel. One other fun thing I found while reading, the extensive array of foods! Farah's descriptive detail made it to where I could practically taste & smell the dishes!

Favorite Quotes:
"I had to stop running. I had to turn and face my life head on." Aurora Firedrake

Favorite Scene: Without giving away too much, my favorite scene is a market scene that takes place in the middle of the night. Here's a descriptive quote for you: "We came to a large clearing, and the delightful sight left me spellbound. The forest was alive, radiant and subtly lit by pretty, different-colored lanterns hanging from the towering trees."

Aurora thinks she's just another normal orphan living with her hateful family and bullied at school until one day she's knidnapped and taken through a magical portal into a fairy tail word and finding out it's even worse than her old life.
She soon discovers she's in Avalonia, a magical land where those who possess magic reign and whose queen is a vile human being that will take down everything that stands between her and her goals and thirst for power.
Aurora soon finds that the key to her past lies deep in Avalonia and she will need the help of the friends she made along the way to find out who she is and to take her place in the world again.
While reading this book you'll notice two things: one is that Avalonia is like if you grabbed all your fairy tale "land" ideas and had smashed them all into only one and the other thing is that you'll never want to put this book down!
The storyline and the characthers in this book are so well developed that you'll really feel transported to Avalonia and you'll fell that you're Aurora and that you're doing the things she's doing and that, my friends, is one of the greatest things an author can do, in my humble opinion.
Everything in this story is well thought and beautifully acomplished! There are details that you'll find in one part of the story that will only be used a little ahead and you're only given a little bit of information at a time so when the main characther wonders what is it that the others are hiding you feel exactly what she feels!
I loved the way that the author used references from Arthurian Legends, fairy legends and even, I think, of real life and putted it all in one concise story, that way you feel a little familiar with the story but even then the story is completely different from what you'll expect.
If you love everything that has to do with Disney or love history, adventure, magic, love honor and friendship you should really read this book since it will satisfy your thirst for good stories.
I'm really anticipating the next book!
(posted on http://addictedbookslover.blogspot.pt/2015/07/the-last-of-firedrakes-avalonia.html)

This book was exactly the type I wanted to read. It was almost reminiscent of Harry Potter in some ways but with different elements of course and most importantly, a likeable and relatable female lead. I am very much looking forward to continuing the store of Aurora and learning more about her skills, and her future.

I am somewhat new to the genre, just starting to read more YA books especially fantasy and dystopian. This book makes me want to continue in the genre.

What an surprising read. The Last of the Firedrakes was not only fun and enchanting but it was captivating. Top notch world-building and a heroine that was complex and likable. I mean I fell in love with the world of Avalonia, with it's complexity and beauty. Farah Oomerbhoy did an excellent job. This is one YA fantasy book that I would gladly recommend.
I will definitely post a more thorough review on my blog shortly. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this story.

Thank you netgalley.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the start of this new series. I can't wait for the next books to come out! I loved the characters and the fantasy. I was hooked and I read it very quickly. I am a sucker for stories with Fae in them! Very entertaining read!

Extremly interesting and very creative The Last of the Firedrakes takes the reader on an adventure through a heavy fantasy world with magic, evil queens, fae, griffins, pegasus', demons and other awesome creatures. Both the plot and the characters where amazingly developed. I found myself sucked in and unable to put the book down. I love the romance that underlines this book. It's not the focal point of the story, but the subtle underline of romantic tension was a great added dimension to the book.
I found that The Last of the Firedrakes had a slight Hairy Potter feel to it, which was addicting. On top of that the lead character, Aurora Darlington, is strong and compassionate. She is super adaptable to many situations and isa very capable woman. All around a great combination.
The Last of the Firedrakes is super addicting and I cannot wait for the next novel in the series. Overall, its is a wonderful novel that I totally recommend it. It is a great book and very much worth the time it takes to read it. I give The Last of the Firedrakes the rating of FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!

Farah Oomherbhoy created a fantasy world in The Last of the Firedrakes that's vibrant, magical in comparison to the dreariness of the real world in The Last of the Firedrakes. Aurora now living with her adoptive aunt and uncle who have no love for her finds herself transported to Avalonia, pulled there against her will.

{Queue up the sexy... behind door #1 is a Fae named Rafe. Behind door #2 is Kalen of Pixie Bush. Both enticingly real, rakish and not very forthcoming with the information when they're not interested in sharing. While you would think there's a love triangle twist here... I'm simply sharing your options of boy crushes. Aurora seems pretty set on one particular Fae with a savior complex if I'm reading the story right.}

Thrust into a new adventure where Aurora has power within her and begins to feel less helpless than she has since she lost her beloved adoptive parents. She discovers her own personal ancestry is a royal one that she never knew about that explains the magical world hopping and her unease with these revelations grow when she begins to learn of how intricate the plot against her is, dating back to her biological parents.

While some of the unfolding of the plot seems predictable, for a YA fantasy, readers will find the world-building too enticing to care. The creature line-up is imaginative and littered with villains and allies. As Aurora navigates her new existence, she has to figure out who's who. However, I cannot name names of certain characters since they give away a lot of the secrets of the story.

Needless to say... Do I really have to say it?! Read the book to find out for yourself; it's quite clever.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. It had just enough magical stuff, some romance (not sex), and all the problems and decisions a strong willed, impulsive teenage girl could have. Aurora has a people around her to help including the hunky Prince in hiding. You'll just have to read it yourself...no spoilers from me. But hurry up with the next one please!

From the moment I saw the cover, I wanted to read this book. I was not disappointed. Last of the Firedrakes refers to Aurora, a just-about-to-turn-17 years old young lady who is mourning her adopted parents' deaths. Her guardian, now, her Uncle, is given an assignment to meet the boss of his bank at his mansion, so they all drive there and are given rooms. Once they settle in, Aurora decides to see if she can find a library in the huge old house and once she finds it, that's when the real adventure begins.
Dragged through a tapestry, locked in a dungeon and rescued by a Black Wolf, Aurora learns she is the daughter of a King and that both her parents died trying to save her from her father's half-sister Morgana.

I really really loved this book. Aurora is no sleeping beauty. She's thrown into an entire new world and has to find her place in it without revealing just who she is. That's not as easy as it sounds when you're an untrained Mage who also carries Fae blood. Falling in love for the first time and learning control and also how to be a Queen worthy of the name, not just a puppet for well-meaning people. Aurora has her work cut out for her, but with friends like Vivienne, Rafe, Kalen and Erien, as well as family like Uncle Gabriel and Aunt Serena, she has a better chance than most. I love her determination and her stick0to-it-iveness and I can't wait to read the next one. Five stars, HIGHLY recommended for plot and pacing, if you like Harry Potter, you'll like The Last of the Firedrakes, trust me!

The Last of the Firedrakes is a wonderful book! It's STUNNING, in fact. I'm a firm lover of fantasy novels and this one did not disappoint me since it has everything I could have wished for - a diverse array of characters, magic, never-ending action and amazing world-building. It will satisfy anyone's need for a fantastical adventure!

My absolute favorite aspect about this book was the magical world of Avalonia. There's nothing that fascinates me more than complex worlds such as this one. Avalonia is home to Fae, Mages, and other magical creatures that are mainly divided and ruled by kingdoms. Fae and Mages have their own kind of magic and can be used to defend, attack and even heal one another, but at a cost. Some of the Fae can be immortal and live for up to a thousand years and wield different type of magic. But gosh, there's so much about this world to speak about! It's so rich and amazing, the kind you can't stop falling in love with as you explore every inch and corner of its many castles, forests and villages!

However, Avalonia is quite a dangerous place too since there's also dark magic being used by the supporters of Queen Morgana, the one who killed Aurora's parents (high rulers of Avalonia) and wants to kill Aurora as well. I'm still not sure how dark magic works and how far it can go, but I'm curious to see it in action. We get a small piece in the last quarter of the book and I'm intrigued by it. Especially now that Aurora will probably get involved with it.

Speaking of Aurora, I liked her well as a character and I was cheering her on all the way through. She at times might have come off as a bit selfish, childish and irresponsible, but she was thrown into a totally different world in which she suddenly has huge problems. so I think I understand. I'm excited to see her grow more into her powers and for her to make her presence known in all of Avalonia. Not only by her immediate surroundings.

The Last of the Firedrakes has a bit of romance inside, and though I want it to happen so much because BLACK WOLF *swoons*, I'm trying so hard to not delve much into it. It's for my heart's own good. But awesome, swoon-worthy scenes await you!

I will end this off by saying that The Last of the Firedrakes is a fantastic read that must be on top of your TBR pile soon (if it isn't already!). It's the type of read that only gets better and better as you turn its pages and will leave you desperate for the next book in the series.

Very well written book. Enjoyed the characters very much. Looking forward to book 2

I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I freaking loved this book. While it did leave me with a cliff hanger, it was a fitting stop to book one. Sadly, book two isn't even out yet, so I have to wait for more. There will be three books in the Avalonia chronicles and I cannot wait! This book does such a great job of capturing the attitude and personality of a 17-year-old girl. Put said girl into a fantasy world, it just makes it even more amazing. You are learning about this amazing world right along with Aurora. I was captivated by how she started to embrace who she just found out who she was. As the end of the book came closer, I found myself not waiting to finish because I didn't want the story to end. I was actually quite glad to hear I still have two instillation to read, even if they are yet to be published.

The only thing I didn't love about this book is the attitude of Aurora sometimes, but I do understand that it was part of her being a 17 year old girl. It didn't change the love I had for her and this book.

I wholeheartedly give this one five stars. Add it to your "to read" pile today!

This review has also been posted on goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1388530755

personal blog http://betsys4.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-last-of-firedrakes.html

amazon https://www.amazon.com/review/R3DL5I4DADV7WX/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Great character development!! Awesome blending of two worlds!! Loved this!!

First of all I love the cover. It is so beautiful. I also loved this book. It is the type of fantasy I love. It is filled with adventure. It is not dark. It is a lighter fantasy book. I loved the main character Aurora. She is a well developed character. There are are so many things going on. There is a main plot and mini plots. The journeys were fun and dangerous. I loved the twists and terns. It is a very enjoyable book

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! I'm usually not into stories with magical beings, and there are very few I can remember liking. This is definitely one of them!

The story is well-written. However, at times the vocabulary is a little repetitive. That kind of irked me, but not enough to deduct a star.

I am always disappointed when I read a book and find out that the next in its series has probably not been written yet. I am sad that I will have to wait a while to read the next one.

I definitely recommend reading it, though!