Author: Stephanie Burgis
Genre: fantasy
Series: Untitled #1
Pages: 256
Published: May 30 2017
Source: ARC from publisher
Rating: 4/5
Aventurine is a brave young dragon ready to explore the world outside of her family's mountain cave . . . if only they'd let her leave it. Her family thinks she's too young to fly on her own, but she's determined to prove them wrong by capturing the most dangerous prey of all: a human.
But when that human tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate, she's transformed into a puny human without any sharp teeth, fire breath, or claws. Still, she's the fiercest creature in these mountains--and now she's found her true passion: chocolate. All she has to do is get to the human city to find herself an apprenticeship (whatever that is) in a chocolate house (which sounds delicious), and she'll be conquering new territory in no time . . . won't she?
If there is one thing that can bridge the divide between humans and dragons in Stephanie Burgis' new MG fantasy world, it's the magical entity.... chocolate. A cute middle grade story, Burgis introduces a world of feuding chocolate houses, quarrelsome dragon families, and one little girl-dragon who ends up mixed up in both worlds. Though The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart is rather short it manages to be a tale made of parts both salty and sweet.
First in a series, the book follows the young but adventurious Aventurine through a youthful mishap that turns her into a human! Though things spiral out of control rather quickly, The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart keeps things lively and interesting. Some small pacing issues crop up mid-way through, but the strength and charm of the characters balance it out. Aventurine herself is willful and fun, both as human and in her more draconic periods. She's brave but prone to foolhardiness, which is what facilitates the plot. Her personality, the vivid settings, and interesting characters make this middle grade engaging even for older readers.
Recommended for: fans of Jessica Day George
Fair warning: This book will make you want hot chocolate. Even if it's summertime. In Phoenix.
I got this from the library recently but had to return it unread- I'll definitely check it out again though! It sounds so cute and I love the premise.
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