When Dealing with Dragons

Gr 8 Up–In a world where social hierarchy is dictated by metal class, Farren Walsh is a copper-crafter nobody hiding a dangerous secret: she is actually an elite gold-crafter. While working at her family’s rural dragon sanctuary, Farren saves her rival, the high-status silver-crafter James Murphy, from a catastrophic racing accident. When James becomes an intern at the sanctuary to escape his abusive father, the two must set aside years of animosity to protect a newly discovered nest of near-extinct golden Rimback dragons. Swift blends high-stakes action with a heartfelt romance, exploring the ethical implications of animal exploitation for economic gain. The worldbuilding is intricate, focusing on the bond between humans and dragons as a source of power. Diversity and class struggles are central themes; Farren’s family faces intense prejudice due to their perceived lower metal status. Representation is clear, as Farren’s friend Cara Moore’s family and Mrs. Healy, the tailor, are described as having dark brown skin, while James has auburn hair and fair, freckled skin. The narrative effectively uses metal-crafting as an allegory for societal barriers and the courage required to dismantle them.