Legends of the sky trilogy:

Book 1:dragon daughter / Legends of the sky (US title)

Book 2: Rise of the shadow dragons

Book 3: The Pirate’s dragon

Book 1: Dragon Daughter / Legends of the sky (us title)

When servant girl Milla witnesses a murder and finds herself caring for the last four dragon eggs in the world, who can she trust?

UK ISBN: 978-1-915235-64-0

Choose your order link: Blackwells, Waterstones, Bookshop.org.

First published by David Fickling Books in 2018, a new UK edition was published in 2023 by UCLan Publishing. Cover art by Joe Todd-Stanton, cover design by Becky Chilcott.

The Bookseller highlighted Dragon Daughter as “one to watch”, describing it as “a thrilling fantasy quest”.

Thank you to these Waterstones booksellers who have reviewed the book online - a thumbs-up from a bookselling reader is always something special!

Kenny Mayer at Glasgow Silverburn Waterstones has written: “This book is not to be missed. Legends of the Sky book 1 really hits the mark and I can't wait to see how the story develops. Liz Flanagan has creates a beautifully rich world. She combines political aspects seamlessly driving the narrative. Elements of belonging, identity and difference will speak volumes to the younger reader group. This book goes beyond the typical fantasy fare and it wonderfully engaging. The ensemble cast of dragon riders really hooked me and I really enjoyed this new universe. Can't wait for more.”

While Ella-Mae at the Lewes Waterstones writes: “This book is BRILLIANT! Flanagan crafts a beautifully detailed, fast-moving world that is believable from page 1. Liz Flanagan with Joe Todd-Stanton is a powerhouse team.”

And Nora at Trafalgar Square Waterstones thinks: “Enchanting! An exciting fantasy for the middle grade audience, especially for those who like a great heroine like Milla…” Read the full review via the link above. Thank you so much Team Waterstones!

I’m honoured by this wonderful review by children’s book expert Gordon Askew, who writes: “Dragon Daughter is an outstanding example of the power of story.”
Read the review here.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books calls Dragon Daughter:
 “a fantastic middle-grade read full of rich detail ... an epic adventure that is thrilling, captivating.”
Read the full review here. 

I’m thrilled with this review from Pam Norfolk at the Lancashire Post:

“Teeming with tension, danger, fast-paced action, fiery friendships and dragon riders, this is a thrilling middle grade epic full of heart, hope and themes of migration and tolerance which will strike a chord with youngsters.”
Read more here.

“Exciting, thought-provoking in the extreme and with fabulous characters…” says Mrs Sydney’s World’s Smallest Library - thank you Jacqui!

I love this thoughtful and detailed review from Madge Eekal Reviews:

“A magical middle-grade fantasy story filled with powerful political messages, tied up in a gripping and exciting plot.”

Dragon Daughter was Book of the Day on the Booktrust website. Their reviewer wrote: “This is the first book in a new epic fantasy saga that takes readers on an unusual adventure, dealing with important themes of friendship, belonging, migration and difference, as well as the utter joy of dragons.”
Read the full review here.

Dragon Daughter is Chapter Book of the Week - “immaculate worldbuilding, glorious characters and wonderful creatures” - over on ReadItDaddy blog: click here to read the glowing review!

Meanwhile, bookseller extraordinaire Tamsin Rosewell at Kenilworth Books has done a wonderfully in-depth review of Dragon Daughter and calls it “an astonishing book; this is storytelling at its very best – exciting, political, poignant and utterly enchanting.”
Read the full review here.

Thank you to Veronica Price, who writes “Liz Flanagan has a talent for writing fantasy quests that have an air of classic legend about them… A complex and immersive read…” See the full review on V’s View from the Bookshelves here.

Legends of The Sky reviews are coming in, and I’m very grateful to these American reviewers and bloggers:

“This is an excellent what's-next for fans of classic fantasy series like McCaffrey's Dragonriders of Pern or more contemporary fare like Cowell's How to Train Your Dragon.” Read more here.

“Adventure, tense fighting scenes, touching connections between both people and dragons, and a strong sense of right and wrong help create a story that pulls readers in to both enjoy and learn from the events. I found this a wonderful, uplifting novel.” Read more here.

Book 2: RISE OF the shadow Dragons

Jowan wants a dragon of his own more than anything in the world, but when he loses his temper on Hatching Day, he thinks he has destroyed his chances forever. When he makes a new friend and an incredible discovery, a glittering future beckons… but he must make amends and prove himself - to save the lives of everyone on the island of Arcosi!

UK ISBN: 9781915235855

Choose your order link: Bookshop.org, Blackwells, Waterstones, Amazon.

First published in the UK in 2020 by David Fickling Books, a new UK edition was published in 2024 by UCLan Publishing with cover art by Joe Todd-Stanton and cover design by Becky Chilcott.

“Harry Potter meets Eragon in Liz Flanagan's mesmerising fantasy saga of bravery, redemption and breathtaking dragons!
Vividly atmospheric and rich in detail, Flanagan's storytelling and world building is remarkable.”

Bluebird Reviews, full review here

“A mesmerising sequel to Dragon Daughter about an outcast who becomes a hero on the magical island of Arcosi. This epic fantasy saga explores courage, acceptance and unity.”

The Bookseller Buyer’s Guide

“Set in a superbly imagined and richly detailed world, Rise of the Shadow Dragons brings readers a cast of unforgettable characters who face trials, tribulations and fire at every turn but find strength in their friendships, unity and shared loyalties. Fantasy writing at its very best!”

Pam Norfolk writing in the Lancashire Evening Post, full review here.

“This book is every page a worthy successor to the first … a very special voice indeed in children’s fiction… thrilling multi-layered storytelling.”

Gordon Askew, full review here.

“{The} world-building is once again just so brilliant and atmospheric, her characters are beautifully observed and despite the fantasy setting, entirely believable and easy to identify with, possessing all the same strengths and frailties we all remember having as brash, outspoken youths!

"Legends of the Sky" is turning into one of the best fantasy series in middle grade / early YA fiction, and we cannot wait to find out what happens next.”

Read It Daddy, full review here.

“An outcast becomes a hero in the sequel to Dragon Daughter, which I enjoyed enormously, a terrifically visual fantasy adventure”

Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

“Courage, honour and volcanic wrath abounds in this fiery fantasy sequel… With the sweeping atmosphere of a classic hero story, Joe’s story is shot-through with themes of acceptance, making amends, courage and concord, against a backdrop of political - and volcanic - eruptions. What’s more, the author’s vibrant, visual storytelling paints a truly sensory picture of a world and its compelling cast of characters.” Read full review here.

Joanne Owen, LoveReading4Kids

“A hugely engaging voice in children’s fiction at the moment.”

Angels and Urchins, full review here.

“This book is unputdownable! I absolutely LOVED it – it is easily one of my favourite books! The perfect follow up to Dragon Daughter where the original cast of characters are older and the newer character's perils are just as gripping, if not more. Each character has a flaw they overcome and that makes them even more endearing. I loved the dynamic between the dragons and their riders and how they all came together at the very end. The various themes are interwoven just brilliantly! It's the perfect MG adventure with constant bubbling danger and characters you'll cheer to the very end.”

A.M. Dassu, author of Boy, Everywhere

“Liz Flanagan has managed to write not just a superb sequel to Dragon Daughter but also a stand-alone story that takes the reader into the realms of shadows, underground tunnels, and outcasts.”

Leti Hawthorn, Waterstones Bookseller. Full review here.

“Full of excitement and action and set within a brilliantly described world…” Jacqui Sydney, full review here. Thank you so much!

Thanks to Veronica Price for this wonderful review and summary here: “This sweeping fantasy adventure soars with the redemptive power of acceptance and forgiveness and plunges to explore the depths of human emotions.”

Book 3: The Pirate’s Dragon

A thrilling dual-narrative conclusion to the award-winning Legends of the Sky middle-grade fantasy series, which can also be read as a stand-alone adventure.

Serina and Raff live on separate islands, each believing the other’s people to be their sworn enemy. Forced together in dramatic circumstances, they become friends while nurturing their young dragons. When Serina’s home, parents, and all the dragons of Arcosi are threatened, Raff and Serina must persuade their families to work together, taking a leap of faith and forgiveness to defeat a shared threat.

ISBN: 9781915235992

Out now in the UK, published by UCLan Publishing

Available from: Waterstones, Blackwells, Foyles, Bookshop.org, WH Smiths, Amazon

Cover art by Joe Todd-Stanton, cover design by Becky Chilcott.

Reviews of The Pirate’s Dragon

“I absolutely loved the first two books in {the} trilogy but I think this might be my favourite… Wonderful heartfelt storytelling. If you love dragons you’ll love these books!” Andy Shepherd, author of The Boy Who Grew Dragons.

The Pirate’s Dragon is reviewed by Pam Norfolk of the Lancashire Post, who writes: “this breathtaking finale to a dazzling and much-loved fantasy series is packed with bravery, danger, powerful emotions and the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship.” Full review here.

Thank you so much to Linda Brown who wrote this wonderful review over on the ReadingZone website: “The Pirate’s Dragon is full of action, adventure, trust, relationships and most importantly full of beautifully described dragons. This is a thrilling rollercoaster ride of a story, a perfect conclusion to the series.”

Jacqui Sydney writes that The Pirate’s Dragon is: “…fantastical, exciting and filled with credible characters, all brought brilliantly to life … A fitting ending to the series.” Thank you Jacqui! You can read the full review here.

Thank you so much to Joanne Owen, who writes: “Shot-through with the important message that people have more in common than that which divides them, The Pirate’s Dragon tells a stirring story of trust, courage, friendship, and coming together for a greater good.” Read the full review at LoveReading4Kids here.

Veronica Price writes: “I highly recommend The Pirate’s Dragon for middle grade readers who enjoy fast paced action and adventure; pirates and dragons are a winning combination!” Thank you Veronica, I’m so happy you think so! You can read the full review here.

I love this review from Miss Cleveland Is Reading: “With its richly imagined world, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, it is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to inspire, uplift, and unite.” Thank you so much!

It was a joy to chat to Michelle Pauli recently, all about the conclusion to The Legends of the Sky series. Read the interview in the latest edition of Books for Keeps: “Fans of dragons, and epic, thrilling fantasy sagas, should be … pleased that this wonderful series has had a new lease of life.” Thank you Michelle!