Texas has dragons?
They sure do in this this exciting tale with 13-year-old Cassidy Drake and her dragon, Ranga in the middle of it all. Cassidy plan is to save their family’s dragon ranch. The huge energy company, FireCorp, is a potential buyer and they have a past full of cheating to get their way.
Cassidy’s late mother was a famous dragon rider and winning the Great Texas Dragon Race brings a winner’s prize of 250 grand. Her dad is against it as the race is quite dangerous. But grandma who is in the hospital fighting some unknown illness, signs the permission slip (without dad knowing) for Cassidy to enter the race.
She’s up against 50 other riders, including a nasty contingent of FireCorp riders who have decided advantage with the drug they are giving their dragons. It’s winner takes all with surprising twists and turns throughout.
A strong cast of characters led by headstrong Cassidy will appeal to both boys and girls. THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE is a dragon fantasy bigger than the state of Texas that packs an appealing finish.
BOOK BIRTHDAY: August 1, 2023 PAGE COUNT: 400
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT THE GREAT TEXAS DRAGON RACE by Kacy Ritter
- Even though this fantasy is set in the present, it was very believable with top notch world building.
- Economic hardship and corporate greed are modern day themes embedded in the story. They will further have you cheering for Cassidy to succeed.
- The first person narration by Cassidy was the perfect choice to endear this character to readers. She’s stubborn and fearless, but her love of dragons wins out.
- Cassidy and the other non-FireCorp riders are each in the race as an individual wanting to win. It was nice to see them eventually unify and see each other differently.
- The last leg of the race is a can’t stop reading finale. A page turning joy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR, Kacy Ritter
I’m a behavioral health professional by day and MG fantasy writer by night. I’m also a member of SCBWI Houston. In between writing and meetings, I imagine taking off on a Texas BBQ and taco tour with my rescue dog and cats.
I hold degrees from the University of Texas and the University of North Texas.
(For more about Kacy, visit her author web site; There is also a great interview of Kacy earlier this month on Natalie Aguirre’s Literary Rambles.
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COMMENTS ARE WELCOME BELOW!
BE SURE TO ALSO VISIT THE OTHER BLOGGERS ON TODAY’S MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY!
Always in the Middle... 
I love stories with dragons anyway but this contemporary fantasy sounds great fun (and also unique!). Thanks for sharing!!
Since the Tui Sutherland dragon books still have avid fans, this will be a good book to have on hand. Thanks for hosting #MMGM!
I’ve seen this book recently (I think on Natalie Aguirre’s blog), and it looks like such a unique and engaging story, Greg! It sounds like a great blend of fantasy and real-world issues too. Thanks so much for the thoughtful review and for hosting us!
Yeah, so enjoyed this book too. Fun setting, dragons and lots of action! Happy MMGM
Dragons in Texas? Well, it’s a big enough state for that scenario! Thanks for the fun review.
I’m not really a reader of fantasy, but this has some elements that interest me –defeating greedy corporations, the economic hardships so many kids face. I might give this one a try. Thanks for the review.
Interesting to have a fantasy book set in the present. My sister loved dragons when she was a kid! I wonder if she still likes reading about them. I will have to ask!
I’m sold on dragons in Texas. And good to hear that the world-building is so good. It’s one of my top summer books to read.
This sounds so fun!