Dragon Cursed

After a lethal scourge and the reemergence of dragons decimates most of humankind, the remaining population lives in fear of the resulting magical curse, which gradually transforms those afflicted into dragons. In the city of Vinguard, the last human stronghold, 18-year-old Isola trains under the tyrannical vicar as Valor Reborn, a legendary warrior destined to kill the Elder Dragon and save the world. If she’s not honing her dragon-slaying skills with the vicar, she is being closely monitored by the vicar’s adopted son Lucan, also 18. But as the Tribunal—a mysterious, harrowing rite of passage during which of-age teens must somehow prove that they have not succumbed to the scourge, or face execution—draws near, Isola finds herself harboring a deadly secret: she believes she is turning into a dragon. When Isola and Lucan are framed for using taboo magic in the Tribunal, the teens become embroiled in a fight for survival against the ruling powers of Vinguard. Stakes and tension remain high throughout this thrilling romantasy from Kova (A Deal with the Elf King), in which familiar tropes regarding monster hunting and chosen ones are enriched by engaging and complex protagonists as they navigate a leisurely spun adventure relayed via Isola’s measured first-person narration. Characters are described as having various skin tones. Ages 16–up. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency. (Jan.)