The upcoming Descent to Azakmar by Michael R. Fletcher is quite a departure from the author’s usual grimdark fare. Instead of adult fantasy, this one is a middle-grade heroic adventure. With just a hint of “grimdark light.”
Centuries ago, the mighty Dragon Commonwealth fragmented after warring with the KyuSan sorcerers. In the years since, the different types of dragons have retreated to their driftlands, floating mountains hanging above the endless Boiling Deep.When Korlana, niece to the queen of Tamost, sees a tantalizing driftland covered in ancient ruins pass below her home, she bullies her best friend into joining her on an adventure. After descending to explore the sprawling remains, the young dragons learn that the KyuSan are using this driftland as a launch point for their next invasion. While spying on the invaders, Korlana discovers her aunt, the queen of Tamost, has betrayed her subjects and made a deal with the foul sorcerers.Faced with Nox Mortua, dragons who prey on other dragons, Rockspur, with their stone melting breath, and an army of evil KyuSan sorcerers, Korlana must find a way to save her home.
Warning: there’s a fair amount of death and some vivid violence. For many kids, this level will be totally fine, I personally loved books like this at that age. But if you’re thinking of handing it to a more sensitive reader, you might want to hold off a little. (That said, in “A Boy Called Christmas”, a troll’s head explodes with quite some detail, so clearly there’s already a precedent for this age group!)
Now, onto the book itself:
The Cast:
Dragons, and other species, who’ve been raised to hate and fear those different to them, slowly begin to challenge those beliefs. Slowly friendships are forming, where no one thought they could exist. The topic is handled beautifully, never preachy, always organic, and serves as a powerful reminder of how easily fear and hatred can be taught.The humor and banter between characters were especially well done and kept me engaged throughout.
The Main Character:
A reluctant heroine! I really appreciated that she wasn’t perfect or always successful. She makes mistakes, relies on her friends, and sometimes has to retreat. This made her feel real and relatable.
The World:
A fascinating world filled with flying islands, unique cultures, and strange new creatures. It’s imaginative without ever becoming overwhelming. Complex enough to be exciting but still accessible for younger readers.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention the illustrations! They really add to the overall enjoyment and ease of emersion.
The Story:
There’s a blend of light politics, high adventure, and a steadily unfolding plot. While it might be a bit predictable for adults, it’s ideal for kids who haven’t read dozens of books in the genre. There’s effective foreshadowing that lets readers feel clever when things come together, which is always a satisfying experience.
A few scenes wrapped up a bit too easily, and I’d have liked a bit more depth in those moments, but overall, it’s spot-on for the target audience.
Conclusion:
An excellent blend of action, world-building, humor, and heart. Descent to Azakmar is perfect for (hardy) middle-grade readers, but also a real treat for adults who are still young at heart.
Highly recommended!
So if this has caught your interest, you can preorder your own copy here!
