Honest review of Child of Draco

by Melissa Rakestraw (Author)

Updated at: 02/03/2025

In Melissa Rakestraw's Child of Draco, Nora DuPont, an outcast in her own family, yearns for a life beyond the shadows of her opulent but cold home. A chance encounter—a kidnapped princess and a generous reward—propels her into a thrilling adventure. What begins as a quest to rescue Princess Gabriella from a dragon quickly spirals into a battle against ancient, awakened beings and the fulfillment of a long-dormant prophecy. Nora's journey forces her to confront not only mythical creatures and perilous circumstances, but also her own desires and the possibility of a love she never dared imagine, all while navigating a world that once rejected her.

4.5 / 5 ratings

Review Child of Draco

Wow, "Child of Draco" completely surprised me! I initially picked it up with low expectations, honestly. The cover, while pretty, didn't scream "masterpiece," and the title and synopsis felt a bit generic – another "chosen one" fantasy, I thought. I'd even braced myself for a tween-level read. But thank goodness I ignored my initial skepticism because this book utterly blew me away. It's easily become one of my all-time favorites.

The plot itself treads familiar fantasy ground: a protagonist with a difficult past, a perilous journey, allies and enemies, magic and action, and plenty of twists. If you’ve read fantasy manga, light novels, or played RPGs, much of the world will feel comfortably familiar. And that’s precisely why it works so well. Melissa Rakestraw doesn't waste time reinventing the wheel. Instead, she expertly utilizes these established tropes to create something unexpected and captivating. The familiarity actually enhances the experience; knowing the landscape allows the author to focus on what truly matters: the characters and their compelling journeys.

The world-building, while not revolutionary, is beautifully realized. The magic system is spectacular, and the overall world feels both familiar and excitingly unique. But it’s the characters that truly steal the show. Nora, our protagonist, is far from a stereotypical "chosen one." She's complex, flawed, and utterly relatable. Her growth throughout the story is remarkable, watching her evolve from a neglected, self-doubting individual into a confident and capable woman is deeply satisfying. And the supporting cast isn't just background filler; each character feels fully developed, unique, and incredibly well-written – they're not just plot devices; you genuinely care about them and their fates.

The romance between Nora and Briella is also beautifully handled; it’s slow-burning, believable, and heartfelt. Their connection felt organic and genuine, adding another layer of emotional depth to the narrative. The friendship between Nora and Finn was equally compelling, providing a heartwarming counterpoint to the darker aspects of the story. Their camaraderie felt real and supportive, enriching Nora's journey considerably.

While the book is near-perfect, there are a few minor quibbles. A handful of moments felt slightly out of character for certain individuals, and there were a couple of minor editing oversights. However, these are truly insignificant compared to the overall excellence of the story. The pacing is excellent, keeping you hooked from beginning to end. The surprises and uncertainty kept me guessing, preventing any predictability and ensuring a captivating read.

Overall, "Child of Draco" is an exceptional debut novel that showcases Melissa Rakestraw's immense talent. If you're a fan of fantasy, magic, compelling characters, and heartfelt stories, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Once you start, you won’t want to put it down; and the bittersweet feeling of completion will be far outweighed by the sheer joy of the experience. I eagerly await the next installment in this series.