The best way to get nerds like me invested in sports is to add dragons, and that is something Blazewrath Games does beautifully. Featuring a heart-pounding, inventive competition and a compelling, global conspiracy, Ortiz knocks it out of the park with this debut.”
–Rachel Strolle, Teen Services Coordinator, Glenside Illinois Public Library District
“Blazewrath Games lingered behind my eyelids in cinematic flashes: Witches and wizards! Dragons! Life and death stakes! Ortiz delivers it all with dazzling imagery and a heroine who wins the gold cup for personality and voice. This is an incredible debut and marks Amparo Ortiz as an author to watch in the YA arena. ”
– Karuna Riazi, author of The Gauntlet and The Battle
“Rich in magic, history, and ride-or-die friendships, Ortiz’s debut blazes into dragon canon bringing with it complex identities, a love for Puerto Rico, and fiery Sol de Noche dragons! I’m excited to see what Ortiz does next!”
–Mia Garcia, author of The Resolutions
*“An intriguing take on identity that will speak perfectly to both fantasy fans and realistic readers; recommended for any library.”
– BOOKLIST, starred review
“In a nonstop, dragon-roaring adventure, this mash-up of magical realism and coming-of-age story will keep readers enthralled until the last page.”
– SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“Part coming-of-age, part magical adventure, dragon fans are sure to enjoy this fast-paced and inclusive book.”
– KIRKUS REVIEWS
09/01/2020
Gr 8 Up—Lana has finally realized her dream to become a member of the Puerto Rico Dragon Team in the Blazewrath Games. After fighting off a Fire Drake and a Dragon Knight trying to steal the dragon's wish-giving crystal heart, she becomes famous and is awarded the Runner position on the team. But now, not only does she have to prove herself to her team, Lana also has to solve the mystery of the Dragon Knights and why they are terrorizing the Games and the dragons before they destroy all that she loves. In a nonstop, dragon-roaring adventure, this mash-up of magical realism and coming-of-age story will keep readers enthralled until the last page. Lana is a well-developed character, whose struggles with her white mother's expectations, her Puerto Rican father's heritage, and her love for her native island home give her an inner strength and determination to succeed. The international teams realistically reflect both gender and racial diversity, and Spanish is liberally sprinkled throughout the book. VERDICT This fun read will appeal to fans of dragon tales like Rachel Hartman's Tess of the Road and adventures such as Daniel José Older's "Shadowshaper Cypher" series.—Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City P.L., VA
2020-07-06
There is nothing quite like Blazewrath because no other sport is played on the backs of dragons.
Seventeen-year-old Floridian Lana Torres has one dream in life: to become the Runner for Team Puerto Rico in the Blazewrath Games. Runners are the only players without dragons, but they are no less important for that. Unfortunately, Lana’s dreams may be dashed by the Sire, a former dragon cursed by his rider into human form in order to contain his murderous rampage. Now, after 20 years, he is back, seeking revenge and freeing Un-Bonded dragons all over the world. Lana’s quick thinking and cool head during an attack on Waxbyrne, a wand shop, starts her down a path to Blazewrath glory—but also leaves her inexplicably tied to the Sire, whose plans she thwarted. She now faces unanticipated violence and conspiracy involving the International Blazewrath Federation, the International Bureau of Magical Matters, the Sire, and even her favorite Blazewrath legend, Takeshi Endo. The worldbuilding is well thought out; the dragons have interesting powers and abilities, with their own individual personalities; and the action sequences are exciting and easy to follow. The world feels naturally inclusive, with numerous queer and ethnically and culturally diverse characters. Throughout, dark-brown–skinned Lana, whose mother is White and father is Puerto Rican, grapples with her self-identity, slowly growing into herself by the end of the book.
Part coming-of-age, part magical adventure, this fast-paced and inclusive book is sure to please dragon fans. (Fantasy. 14-18)
