I loved this book. I thought it was well done, and the characters were interesting and relatable. I was hooked from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this one. I enjoyed every word of it. I can't wait for more from this author.

Thank you Net Galley ARC and Books go social

This was really well done, it had that fantasy elmeent that I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of this. The characters were everything that I wanted and enjoyed the overall feel and thought they worked in this universe. I thought the Zodiac element was fantastic and enjoyed the concept. Rosemary K. Tompkins has a strong writing style and hope there is more in this world.

A Challenging Read That Wasn’t for Me

While I appreciate the effort and creativity that went into this book, I found it difficult to follow. The pace felt too fast, with events unfolding so rapidly that I struggled to fully connect with the characters or the story. It felt like the narrative was rushing from one point to the next without giving enough time to explore or absorb the details.

That said, I recognize that this style might appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced storytelling with lots of twists and turns. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. If you prefer a slower, more deliberate narrative, this might not be the best fit. However, for those who thrive on constant action and surprises, it could be a very engaging read.

The Dragon Queen by Rosemary K. Tompkins is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of 15-year-old Akita, an ordinary girl from the mythical town of Marla. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her father is murdered on the orders of a jealous prince, forcing her to flee her home.
Entrusted with a valuable family heirloom, Akita embarks on a quest through the twelve Zodiac towns of Adastra to complete a mission begun by her ancestors. Along the way, she makes some quirky friends, including a dragon (yes to dragons!) and her best friend Jericho, who stands by her through thick and thin.
Together with her companions, Akita confronts various challenges in a world filled with magic, dragons, and quirky villagers, all while striving to overcome her insecurities and claim her destiny as the rightful Queen.

Overall, it was a cute, light read. The fairytale vibes were strong, and the Zodiac-themed world was definitely fun to explore.
That being said, I feel like this book is better suited for younger readers. Even though it’s over 400 pages, it’s super fast-paced—sometimes too fast. Big moments and conflicts were resolved quickly, so it felt like there was a lot happening but not a lot of time to really dive into the details.

I also didn’t expect the last minute romance. For most of the book, it’s all about friendship, but then in the last few pages, the main couple suddenly say “I love you.” It was sweet but felt a little out of nowhere, so it left me confused. It was good for a happy ending, even though the book will continue with a sequel, but I didn't feel any development that lead to this love confession.

Despite that, I did enjoy the whimsical tone, the imaginative world, and the magical elements. Dragons will always win me over, and the fairytale-like adventure had some really charming moments.

I think younger readers, especially middle-graders, will really enjoy this one. It’s a fun and fast-paced story with a lot of heart, and it has just the right amount of magic and adventure to keep them hooked!

The Dragon Queen by Rosemary K. Tompkins really stood out to me. I rated this book 5 stars because I loved the experience of reading this story. The characters are fantastic.

The story plot is sad when Akita’s father is murdered and she is forced to flee for her safety.. She learns she is the rightful successor to the throne and must win it back from Prince Andreas and find the remaining stones and tablet of the amulet her father gave her before dying. Storyline is slim although very cute with its fairytale elements and should be directed to younger youth. Older children, I think, will lose interest in the plot and storyline..