The island of Masquapaug has not seen dragons for generations. The Anglish conquerors have their types of dragons on the mainland, but the Nampeshiwe have gone. Or at least everyone thinks that until Anequs is on the shore when she sees a huge Nampeshiwe take off from the next island.
She goes back to tell her family. The next day she goes to the old temple to give thanks for the honor of seeing a Nampeshiwe. When she arrives, there is a dragon egg. She takes it back to the meetinghouse where everyone on Masquapaug sings, dances and tells stories to the egg while they wait for it to hatch.
Unfortunately, the Anglish have rules about dragons and who can have them. Anequs must go to school to become certified to shape a dragon's breath. Without this bond and the teachings, the fire a dragon breathes can destroy. But with the knowledge of how to work with a dragon, one can shape the breath into something magical.
Blackgoose has created a beautiful book set in the time of early colonization - when those who invaded think they know everything and are civilized. When those who already lived in the area see the invaders as brutish and shortsighted. I absolutely love this book! My only complaint is that is just came out so I will have to wait forever for the next one in the series. :-)
Blackgoose, Moniquill. (2023). To Shape a Dragon's Breath. New York: Del Rey.
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