Heroes of Havensong

Informationen zum Autor Megan Reyes Klappentext This timeless fantasy debut follows four unlikely heroes - a boy-turned-dragon, his reluctant dragon rider, a runaway witch, and a young soldier - bound by the Fates to save their world, and magic itself, from being destroyed. Leseprobe 1. Every twenty-five years, the king of Gerbera is eaten by a dragon. It is tradition. What's that, young one? No, I imagine it isn't very pleasant, but what else is the human king to do? He has his honor to uphold, after all. And a deal's a deal. One king every quarter century, and in exchange, the dragons leave the villages of Gerbera well enough alone. That's the way it's always been. For nearly a thousand years. No, I am not that old. You mind your tongue, kit. Before I toss you to the shadow bears for breakfast. Of course I'm joking. Your mother would be furious with me. Why do the dragons want kings? How should I know? Maybe they taste better than ordinary humans. Leave it to dragons to be so particular. And, no, I don't know why they wait twenty-five years. Maybe that's when a human is ripe? I don't care to think about it too much, if you don't mind. Now hold still while I get this twig untangled from your fur. Ah, well, the humans have no choice, you see. They must keep the peace with the fire beasts. They've nowhere else to go. Beyond their forest is Dragon Mountain, and that's where the world ends. Everyone knows that. Besides, humans are not as clever as foxes, dear. But don't hold that against them. They do their best. Oof, stop squirming about, would you? I've almost got the blasted twig free. What's that? Where do they get the new king? Perhaps they grow kings like carrots. My whiskers, you ask so many questions. You are giving me a headache. Fine. Fine. You may ask one more. If you must. What would happen if a king didn't present himself to the dragons? Whiskers of mercy! I pale to think of it. Our forest stretches to the base of Dragon Mountain, after all. The fury of the dragonfire would surely be the end of everyone. No, youngling. Do not fret. You have nothing to fear. Don't you see? The human king always comes, just as he should. It has forever been thus. He gives his life to save us all. Now sleep, little one. If you're quiet enough, you can hear the moon rise. 2. In Which Some Magic Gets the Hiccups Three hundred years before the Fourth War Many years ago, and half a world away, Madam Seer Madera Starling let out a yelp. Her violet eyes popped open, the pools of midnight darkness pressing in on her, trying to keep her in bed. The smell of rain and sage flower wafted through the open windows, promising her that all was well. But the old woman knew how flowers spun their untruths when it suited them. She cast the sage petals a look through the window. All was well indeed. Madera slowly swung her legs over the side of the bed, her silver-white hair falling to her waist in twisty braids. She grasped the cane leaning against the wall, drawing in breath slowly, committing each detail of her dream to memory. The moonlight fell across her dark brown hands in a soft glow. That was you, wasn't it? she asked the rising wisp of violet smoke hovering over her nightstand. Madera's Magic hummed its agreement, swirling in a slow circle, drifting toward the woman's outstretched hand. You haven't given me dreams in ages. Not since-- She shuddered and shook the memory away. Her Magic floated toward her, now a purple tornado. Madera rolled her eyes. There's no need to be dramatic, she scolded as she pushed herself to stand. The tornado let out an audible huff and then slowed to form a cumulus cloud. Haru! Madera called, knowing the Scribe would hear. The boy ...

Autorentext

Megan Reyes

Klappentext

This timeless fantasy debut follows four unlikely heroes—a boy-turned-dragon, his reluctant dragon rider, a runaway witch, and a young soldier—bound by the Fates to save their world, and magic itself, from being destroyed.

Blue, River, Wren, and Shenli grew up on different sides of a war they didn’t start. Their land has been torn apart over centuries of conflict, with humans taught to fear all things magical, dragons driven to near extinction, and magic under attack. But an ancient prophecy has put the four them on a collision course with destiny—and with each other—in a mission to heal the fractured realm once known as Haven.

All of them must follow the threads of Fate, leaving behind the lives and homes they know to discover the truth about the seemingly endless war—and the truth about themselves. As the barriers between them begin to crumble, can they unravel the lies they’ve been taught to believe in order to restore the balance between humans, dragons, and magic before it’s too late?

“A powerful cast of characters in an epic tale of dragons and magic.” —Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of The Unwanteds and Map of Flames

Zusammenfassung
"Reyes has woven together a deeply magical world where fear smells like wood and oranges, hiccups warn of a great danger, and secrets are hidden in every realm....This enchanting novel is perfect for readers who love their fantasies with humor and cleverness. Highly recommended."
Booklist, starred review

"The novel pulls readers in from the beginning with well-thought-out worldbuilding that offers many surprises...emotionally resonant...enchanting."
Kirkus Reviews

"In this complexly plotted adventure told in a nonlinear chronology, Reyes slowly weaves together seemingly disparate narrative threads some of which take place over the course of several years and often hints at long-hidden secrets tied to deeper worldbuilding, sowing excitement for the planned sequel."
Publisher's Weekly

Leseprobe

1. Every twenty-five years, the king of Gerbera is eaten by a dragon.

   It is tradition.

   What s that, young one? No, I imagine it isn t very pleasant, but what else is the human king to do? He has his honor to uphold, after all. And a deal s a deal. One king every quarter century, and in exchange, the dragons leave the villages of Gerbera well enough alone.

   That s the way it s always been. For nearly a thousand years.

   No, I am not that old. You mind your tongue, kit. Before I toss you to the shadow bears for breakfast.

   Of course I m joking.

   Your mother would be furious with me.

   Why do the dragons want kings? How should I know? Maybe they taste better than ordinary humans. Leave it to dragons to be so particular. And, no, I don t know why they wait twenty-five years. Maybe that s when a human is ripe? I don t care to think about it too much, if you don t mind. Now hold still while I get this twig untangled from your fur.

   Ah, well, the humans have no choice, you see. They must keep the peace with the fire beasts. They ve nowhere else to go. Beyond their forest is Dragon Mountain, and that s where the world ends.

   Everyone knows that.

   Besides, humans are not as clever as foxes, dear. But don t hold that against them. They do their best. Oof, stop squirming about, would you? I ve almost got the blasted twig free.

   What s that? Where do they get the new king? Perhaps they grow kings like carrots. My whiskers, you ask so many questions. You are giving me a headache.

   Fine. Fine. You may ask one more. If you must.

   What would happen if a king didn t present himself to the dragons?

   Whiskers of mercy! I pale to think of it. Our forest stretches to the base of Dragon Mountain, after all. The fury of the dragonfire would surely be the end of everyone.

   No, youngling. Do not fret. You have nothing to fear. Don t you see? The human king always comes, just as he should. It has forever been thus.

   He gives his life to save us …