Cassidy has just turned 13, although she is mature for her age. She’s a proud Texan living with her Dad and Grandma on their Dragon Sanctuary. They have all kinds of dragons and Cassidy has a special way with them, often singing to calm them.

Some of their dragons have needed extra care, coming from terrible treatment by a huge corporation called FireCorp. They think nothing of exploiting dragons for their oil operations, painfully branding them first. FireCorp are becoming larger and more powerful, buying up farms if they’re struggling, and Cassidy’s sanctuary is on FireCorp’s list. The pile of unpaid bills is not helping things, but letting FireCorp have their farm, and even worse – their rescued dragons, is not going to happen. At least, that’s what Cassidy vows to herself.

There is one way to solve all their problems – win the Great Texas Dragon Race. Now she’s 13, she’s eligible to enter, but Dad won’t sign the admission form. Just when things seem they can’t get worse, Grandma falls ill. Her quickly growing hospital bills don’t help their situation. Cassidy knows she has to enter the race that her mother won years before to save everything she loves. Finally, she gets the signature needed.

Being the youngest and smallest with the smallest dragon, doesn’t immediately inspire confidence in the judges or her competitors, but she knows she has the skills and that her dragon Ranga is the fastest there.

51 competitors begin the race. Some have sponsors and these affiliated riders have all the tech they need to win this race, the FireCorp riders in particular. But the race will need more than fancy tech. Each section begins with holograms and riddles and Texan Cassidy knows her stuff and her state. Challenge after challenge whittles the competitors down.

Dragons are injured, and so are riders, Cassidy included. Alliances are made and secrets shared. The closer to the Grand Finale they get, the dirtier the FireCorp team play. But Cassidy isn’t going to give up for anything or anyone.

Wow! What a ride! Set in an alternate 21st century where dragons are commonplace in our world, The Great Texas Dragon Race is a sizzling read.

From the very first page, main character Cassidy is endearing in her courage and commitment to the dragons in her care. And so many dragons! There are small swift ones like Cassidy’s dragon Ranga, or huge three headed ones as part of the race challenges. Big, small, black, green and every colour in between. 

Settings and race challenges are just as varied and portrayed, making this a gripping read full of dragon action. But there is also wonderful character development as friendships are tentatively made as underdog Cassidy lets her guard down. Her passion and care for all dragons is fierce and this drives her hatred of a powerful corporation. As in reality, this is a corporation that takes all it can including people’s livelihoods and the dragons themselves, by any means in the endless search for profit.

Themes of rich over poor, kindness against cruelty, and never ever giving up underlie this epic read. Hoping for many more adventures from Cassidy and her dragons!

An absolute page-turner!

Author – Kacy Ritter

Age – 8+

Available NZ / Aust – Dec 2023

(2023, Harper Collins, Dragons, Texas, Dragon Care, Exploitation, Oil Mining, Greed, Loss, Grief, Farm, Sanctuary, Care of Dragons, Race, Tasks, Dirty Tricks, Danger, Fire, Speed, Competition, Prize Money, Save Farm, Steroids, Money, Corporation, Affiliate Riders, Fire Corp, Sponsorship, Determination, Courage, Team work, Adventure, Crime, Friendship)