Dragon Cursed

Gr 9 Up–Isola, 18, lives in the only human settlement left after dragons came and destroyed the land and people. Anybody who starts exhibiting dragonlike traits is considered cursed and immediately killed, which is an act considered a mercy compared to the transformation that accompanies the curse. After surviving a dragon attack six years ago, Isola was named Valor Reborn, a reincarnation of the hero of old who could access Etherlight without sigils. Despite years of training, Isola is yet to use Etherlight and has begun to believe that she may be dragon cursed. Having come of age, she must now face the Tribunal, a challenge during which the city’s youth are tested to ensure they aren’t cursed and are also judged for their character and skills. Isola must navigate friendships, a potential romance, and her own status as Valor Reborn, all while trying to stay alive in the face of the cruelty meted out to the Tribunal participants. Kova delivers a solid start to a new romantasy series with detailed worldbuilding, an intriguing plot, and a compelling main character. The first-person narration draws readers in quickly, and the complexity of the fantasy elements will appeal to existing genre fans, while the romance has the potential to bring in new readers. A content note at the beginning warns of the violence and torture the characters experience. Characters cue white.