Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting, magical, still violent follow-up dragon series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE JADE MOUNTAIN PROPHECY: WINGS OF FIRE, a shaky peace is upon the dragon kingdoms of Pyrrhia. That prompts the dragons who helped end the war to start the Jade Mountain Academy and invite dragons from every kingdom to live and study together. While many of the dragonets are just excited to leave home for the first time, some can't let go of distrust and prejudices against the other tribes, and a few come for revenge. Then there's Moon the NightWing. She arrives ready to meet new friends, but she has a secret: she can read minds and predict the future. It's Moon's dire prophecy about Jade Mountain falling that spurs a diverse group of dragons into action to fight the dark forces that threaten Pyrrhia.
Is It Any Good?
Here's a dragon series that keeps on giving, with another five-book installment and a whole slew of new characters to root for. There's no topping the appeal of Glory and Clay from the first five-book series—luckily, they make regular appearances—but Moon and her mind-reading abilities are pretty cool, especially since she's such a thoughtful character besides. Kinkajou the chatty RainWing is also a standout in the fun department and it's Winter's transformation in Book 7 that will make readers a fan. Book 7 is the strongest of the lot as well, with a satisfyingly twisty ending. Peril is the hardest character to like, with such a devastating backstory and her creepy violent thoughts, that when she narrates book 8, Escaping Peril, readers may want to escape to the next book as well. Things pick up, however, in the last two books with animus (magical) dragons pitting their powers against each other, one of whom is an ancient force reawakened. Fans of the first series are sure to devour this series as well, and the next series after that.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Moon's power in Moon Rising: Wings of Fire (Book 6). Is mind reading a curse? Or a tool for saving others? How does Moon's honesty and integrity help her share her secret with her new friends?
In Winter Turning (Book 7), what are Winter's prejudices at the beginning of the book? How does his upbringing influence them? How does empathy for his friends and his brother change him?
Do you think the Jade Mountain Academy is a success? What about the town of Possibility? How does the courage and teamwork of younger dragons make change and lasting peace possible?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Paperbacks
- Publication date : January 1, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 1776
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 9, 2026
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