School Library Journal Review
Gr 8 Up--Lana has finally realized her dream to become a member of the Puerto Rico Dragon Team in the Blazewrath Games. After fighting off a Fire Drake and a Dragon Knight trying to steal the dragon's wish-giving crystal heart, she becomes famous and is awarded the Runner position on the team. But now, not only does she have to prove herself to her team, Lana also has to solve the mystery of the Dragon Knights and why they are terrorizing the Games and the dragons before they destroy all that she loves. In a nonstop, dragon-roaring adventure, this mash-up of magical realism and coming-of-age story will keep readers enthralled until the last page. Lana is a well-developed character, whose struggles with her white mother's expectations, her Puerto Rican father's heritage, and her love for her native island home give her an inner strength and determination to succeed. The international teams realistically reflect both gender and racial diversity, and Spanish is liberally sprinkled throughout the book. VERDICT This fun read will appeal to fans of dragon tales like Rachel Hartman's Tess of the Road and adventures such as Daniel José Older's "Shadowshaper Cypher" series.--Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City P.L., VA
Kirkus Review
There is nothing quite like Blazewrath because no other sport is played on the backs of dragons. Seventeen-year-old Floridian Lana Torres has one dream in life: to become the Runner for Team Puerto Rico in the Blazewrath Games. Runners are the only players without dragons, but they are no less important for that. Unfortunately, Lana's dreams may be dashed by the Sire, a former dragon cursed by his rider into human form in order to contain his murderous rampage. Now, after 20 years, he is back, seeking revenge and freeing Un-Bonded dragons all over the world. Lana's quick thinking and cool head during an attack on Waxbyrne, a wand shop, starts her down a path to Blazewrath glory--but also leaves her inexplicably tied to the Sire, whose plans she thwarted. She now faces unanticipated violence and conspiracy involving the International Blazewrath Federation, the International Bureau of Magical Matters, the Sire, and even her favorite Blazewrath legend, Takeshi Endo. The worldbuilding is well thought out; the dragons have interesting powers and abilities, with their own individual personalities; and the action sequences are exciting and easy to follow. The world feels naturally inclusive, with numerous queer and ethnically and culturally diverse characters. Throughout, dark-brown--skinned Lana, whose mother is White and father is Puerto Rican, grapples with her self-identity, slowly growing into herself by the end of the book. Part coming-of-age, part magical adventure, this fast-paced and inclusive book is sure to please dragon fans. (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Seventeen-year-old Lana Torres lives in an alternate-reality America where dragons and wizards are real, but so is the discrimination she feels being Puerto Rican. Determined to make her father proud, Lana dreams of becoming the Runner in the Blazewrath games--a televised bloodsport where dragons and their magical riders chase the Regular an unmagical Runner, for prizes and glory. She thinks she's lost her chance when there's a dragon attack at her cousin's birthday party and the fight she survives has her questioning everything she knows about the world: wizards, dragons, and her Blazewrath hero, Takeshi Endo. While grappling with the big questions, she's invited to be the Puerto Rican Runner, and despite her mother's misgivings, Lana agrees to the only job she's ever really wanted. While she learns the game, the news covers a terrorist dragon called the Sire, who might just ruin everything for Lana . . . and for the world. Her dreams are coming true, but at what cost? Ortiz's debut, which is suitable for younger teens, mixes Hogwarts with urban fantasy in a fascinatingly detailed new way. It's an intriguing take on identity that will speak perfectly to both fantasy fans and realistic readers, and it's recommended for any library.
