Review: Winging It

Posted December 7, 2011 by Jen in 4 stars, Paranormal YA, Rating A, YA Literature Tags: , ,

Winging It
Author:Deborah Cooke 
Release Date: Dec. 6, 2011
Publisher: NAL 

The Dragon Diaries #2
ISBN: 978-0-451-23489-6
Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal)
Format(s): Paperback (339 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher 
About the book:

Zoë Sorensson yearns to come into her powers as the only female dragon shifter. But being part of two worlds is more complicated than she expected. It’s bad enough that she’s the target of the Mages’ plan to eliminate all shifters—she also has to hide her true nature from her best friend Megan, a human. For her sixteenth birthday, all Zoë wants is one normal day, including a tattoo and a chance to see hot rocker Jared.

Instead, the Pyr throw her a birthday party but ban Megan from attendance, putting Zoë in a tight spot. Things get even worse when Zoe is invited to the popular kids’ Halloween party and Megan’s left out. Zoë knows the party is a trap laid by the host, an apprentice Mage. When Megan gets a last-minute invite, Zoë must save the day—and her best friend—without revealing her fire-breathing secrets…


What G & U are talking about:

Winging It is the second novel in the new young adult series The Dragon Diaries. If you recall from our previous review of the first book Flying Blind (review HERE), you’ll notice that there were several issues we raised about the mythology. Gikany and Una are relieved to let you know that Zoe is also not keen on those “rules” and it appears that she is the breath of fresh air to those stuffy centuries old Pyrs!

This story picks up a bit after the events in Flying Blind. Zoe’s life is becoming increasingly difficult as she balances her “normal” school life with friends and her Pyr life. Zoe continues, through the tutelage of her father, to increase her wyvern abilities. However, these abilities still seem to be sluggish in appearing. This book truly shows how divided Zoe is between these two worlds. Again, we enjoy her character as she makes choices between right and wrong; fighting against the covenants of her people (suffice to say; keeping her wyvern identity secret) when they put those she is loyal to in danger.

There was the continuing issue of the lone wyvern with her eternal abstinence, but it seems Ms. Cooke is addressing this issue. Through this book, she gives readers a glimpse that maybe…the times are changing and Zoe is the much-needed catalyst. Without giving anything away in this great young adult paranormal adventure, it was a fun read. It would be appropriate for middle school children through adults.

At this point, we understand that the Dragon Diaries are to be a trilogy so the next book may hold all the secrets we are waiting for. Blazing the Trail is due out in the United States in June 2012. Gikany and Una cannot wait to read this final(?) chapter in Zoe’s life!

Their Rating:

Enjoyed – strongly recommend (A-)





For a chance to win this exciting book, please see today’s guest post from author Deborah Cooke, HERE.

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