Title: The Race for the Red Dragon (Children of the Dragon #2)
Author: Rebecca Lim
Published: May 2019
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Readership: Middle Grade #loveozkids
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: ★★★★
RRP: $14.99
I received a copy of The Race for the Red Dragon from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Race for the Red Dragon is the thrilling second book in the action-packed Children of the Dragon series.
On their way to the Wudang Mountains to discover the fate of Qing’s father and sisters, Qing and Harley make an unscheduled stop after they hear rumours of an ancient vase emblazoned with a red dragon.
Enemies are everywhere, and Harley and Qing must race evil forces across Hong Kong and Southern China to find the legendary vase. Qing’s magic is growing in power, but is it enough to counter the human and otherworldly forces that are determined to stop them at all costs?
Featuring magic, mystery and martial arts, The Race for the Red Dragon delivers more fast-paced action and adventure in CHILDREN OF THE DRAGON series
I first heard about the Children of the Dragon series by Rebecca Lim when it was recommended by #LoveOzYA author Ellie Marney as a great middle grade fantasy read. As someone teaching students in that particular age bracket, it seemed like something well-worth checking out and so I read The Relic of the Blue Dragon earlier in the year and loved the wit and fast-pace of the first book. I was excited to see that the second book was coming out in 2019 and am very grateful to Allen and Unwin for the review copy of The Race for the Red Dragon.
Set in the modern day, The Children of the Dragon series follows young teen, Harley, who unwittingly uncovers an ancient vase – a relic from the days of dragons – and releases the dragon within. He’s quickly swept up into a world of danger and mystery and magic and he’s not all that sure what to do with it.
In the second book, Harley’s briefly reunited with his father – who may or may not be an internationally wanted criminal – until they’re separated and Harley must make his way to the Wudang Mountains to help Qing recover the rest of her family on his own. On the way he meets a host of new characters who aid him on his quest while he’s simultaneously hunted down because of his knowledge of the dragons and an ancient curse.
This is a delightfully fun series with a relatable main character who’s struggling to keep up the world he’s suddenly found himself living in. Harley’s on the run and he doesn’t really know who to trust – or even if he can trust himself – and yet he perseveres and discovers that he’s braver than he thinks.
The world and the characters are wonderful – especially the dragons, which author Rebecca Lim deftly brings to life. The Chinese mythology explored is beautiful and fun and perfectly tailored to it’s targeted audience, while still being grounded in an Australian context and setting.
I look forward to seeing what happens next in Harley and Qing’s adventures to uncover the rest of the dragons. I know it’ll be a wild ride.
Noveltea Corner 