FIRE TO THE STARS

Abel’s 7-year-old brother, Micah, has been dragon cursed, an affliction placed on humankind by Diu, War-Torn God of the Suns, as a punishment for their greed. A cursed person is transformed into a murderous dragon during a monthly solar event, involuntarily and unknowingly wreaking destruction. Rather than kill his brother’s dragon form, golden-haired, olive-skinned Abel goes against his dragon slayer oath, performing experiments in an attempt to cure Micah and documenting his findings in a journal. This earns him the ire and mistrust of the Slayers Guild and the citizens of Florent. Short on money and eager to repair his reputation, Abel continues hunting dragons. Eighteen-year-old Claire Belgard, who’s raven haired and pale-skinned, is hiding her own affliction with the dragon curse. Having killed her father and razed the family farm, Claire is hopeful that Abel’s research might offer her a cure. Under the pretense of knowing the identity of his latest bounty, Claire strikes up an acquaintance with Abel and insists on accompanying him on his mission, awaiting the opportunity to inspect his journal. Although the novel feels overlong, the grim scenarios unfolding against intriguing worldbuilding add freshness and originality. Bold, resolute Claire contrasts well with the more reserved and morally complex Abel, enhancing the development of their ensuing romance.