That sparks Deniz’s fantasy journey, played out in an enchanting valley where it’s spring-like year-round, nature puts on strange light shows, and a friendly rabbit is more than it seems. As Deniz begins to realize his new home is far from typical, the landlords—the Hatchers—take him under their wing, revealing he is a Sventur and has inherited magical abilities. Under their tutelage, he learns that forces larger than himself are at work, feeding on the world’s “suffering and fears,” and have their sights set on convincing children to cross “the line between good and evil.” As Deniz prepares for this final battle, Nuri probes how souls can be damaged by life’s experiences—and whether cruel people can ever change.
Ending with a hint at more to come in this complex world, Dragon’s Heart embraces deep emotional themes within a familiar framework. Genre fans will recognize many of this debut’s fantasy elements, though Nuri caches these within intriguing magical lore. Issues with pacing and stilted dialogue will require patience from readers, but for those dedicated to fantasy that inspires, Dragon’s Heart makes a stirring promise that “we’ll cry many more times in our lives, but we mustn’t break.”
Takeaway: Troubled boy discovers magic powers in time to save the world.
Comparable Titles: Jenny Nimmo’s Midnight for Charlie Bone, B.B. Alston’s Amari and the Night Brothers.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B+
