The Girl with the Dragon Heart

September 1, 2018

Gr 4-6-This companion novel to The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart follows Aventurine's closest human friend, Silke, who saved her life at the end of the previous book. Silke, 13, has been on a singular path to build a better life ever since she lost her parents in the Elfenwald forest seven years ago. Her brother, Dieter, does not understand her desire to leave behind their little market stall and seek out a different life. When not peddling goods with her brother, she works at the the Chocolate Heart with Aventurine as an promoter and waitress. When Silke is able to use her cunning and charisma to help Aventurine escape a sticky situation, the crown Princess comes seeking her help. Before she knows it, Silke has agreed to pose as a lady-in-waiting for an upcoming visit from the mysterious and clandestine royal court of Elfenwald. Dropped into a completely alien environment and removed from her cozy life in the Chocolate Heart, Silke must adapt and avoid the intrigue and backstabbing of court life. While it is useful to have read the previous book, this works well as a standalone novel. The characters from Chocolate Heart make appearances but the focus here is on Silke and her story. Silke is described as having brown skin with short, dark hair, and a penchant for wearing pants instead of skirts. The author also manages to weave in some commentary on immigration and asylum seekers. Though it is a bit slow to take off, the last third is fast paced and full of adventure. VERDICT Recommended for fans of Tamora Pierce and Gail Carson Levine, or anyone looking for a book which features strong women who save the day.-Sara Brunkhorst, Indian Trails Public Library District, IL

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 1, 2018
Silke hopes to learn the fates of her missing parents in this companion to The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart (2017).Refugee Silke's a bold, adventurous, cross-dressing 13-year-old who loves Drachenburg. And though she won't admit it, she loves her friends who feel like family at the Chocolate Heart, including her dragon-turned-girl best friend, Aventurine--especially since she and her older brother have grown apart since her parents' disappearance in Elfenwald six years ago. Silke's narration captures a sadness that's only partially camouflaged by her swaggering demeanor. One day, in order to save Aventurine from a mob, braggart Silke claims to work for the crown princess. The next day, the princess's guards come for her...but Princess Katrin doesn't want to punish Silke, she wants her to spy: After a century underground, a delegation from magical Elfenwald is coming to Drachenburg, and the princess wants to know why--and Silke sees an opportunity to solve her parents' mystery. Silke tries to fit in at court as a royal cousin, but being a proper lady-in-waiting isn't determined Silke's forte, and soon her wits are put to the test when all of Drachenburg is endangered. Lovable and frustrating, black-presenting Silke's an entirely believable character; supporting characters are equally well-drawn, and Burgis' world is a robustly diverse one.As with the first book, the fantasy hijinks are tempered with depth for a story that's sweet but not saccharine. (Fantasy. 10-14)

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