KIRKUS REVIEW
The second volume in a popular graphic-novel spinoff delves deeper into one dragonet’s past.
Jumping right into the action where previous volume Wings of Fire (2017) left off, the “dragonets of destiny” have escaped captivity and now travel to the underwater realm of SeaWing dragon Tsunami. In the Kingdom of the Sea, outspoken cerulean-hued Tsunami is reunited with her long-lost mother, Queen Coral, and is delighted to have seemingly found her place. However, all is not as it seems in Queen Coral’s court, where the dragonets soon learn that deception and treachery abound. Tsunami is soon faced with a difficult decision: Does she remain with the trusted dragonets or stay with the family of whom she has always dreamed? In Deutsch’s graphic-novel adaptation, Sutherland’s high-fantasy series is lushly sprawling and intricate in its worldbuilding and character development. Holmes’ illustrations are richly imagined, conveying the many action scenes through a vivid lens, and colorist Laiho uses a jeweled palette for the dragons. Some scenes may be tough to follow for readers unfamiliar with the original series, but the fast-paced and thrilling adventures more than make up for this minor quibble. Although all characters are dragons, familiar themes such as acceptance of those who are different and finding one’s place in the world are explored, broadening the appeal beyond dragon devotees.
A mostly smooth adaptation sure to delight fans new and old. (Graphic fantasy. 7-13)
