The Last of the Firedrakes by Farah Oomerbhoy

Farah Oomerbhoy’s début novel “The Last of the Firedrakes”, promises to be an exciting and magical young adult fantasy series. The synopsis of this book had me excited, but I was quit disappointment. I was ready for a fantasy world I would get lost in, and found myself trying to convince myself I was there. A ‘fantasy’ without the actual fantasy. I don’t like to be told what I am experiencing, I like to actually experience it. I felt like I was repeatedly being told over and over that this was a magic, fantasy land like no other, instead of just being able to feel it with the characters and world building. I was definitely not sucked in, but maybe this one just wasn’t for me… I gave up when their was a talking Pegasus… that only the main character could hear. Too cliche ‘fantasy’ for me. 

Disclaimer: I also just want to repeat that maybe this book just wasn’t for me. There are some GREAT 5 star reviews on Goodreads. So, please if this sounds like your type of book don’t take my word for it, please give it a chance! Also – GORGEOUS cover!

Synopsis:

16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.

Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms–including killing anyone who stands in her way. Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.

With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.

About Farah

Farah Oomerbhoy is a young adult writer with a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Mumbai. Farah loves the fantastical and magical and often dreams of living in Narnia, Neverland, or the Enchanted Forest. Her debut novel, The Last of the Firedrakes, Book 1 of The Avalonia Chronicles started on Wattpad where it received a Watty Award in 2015 and over 1.5 million reads. Since publication, The Last of the Firedrakes has gone on to become a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards and an international bestseller. Farah lives with her family in Mumbai, India where she can be found checking for magical portals in every closet.