Going Down in Flames by Chris Cannon Pages: 407
Published by Entangled Teen, Macmillan on June 30, 2014
Series: Going Down in Flames #1
Genres: Dragons, Unicorns & Mythical, Fantasy & Magic, Love & Romance, Paranormal, Young Adult
Source: eARC from Publisher
Also in this series: Trial By FireIf her love life is going down in flames, she might as well spark a revolution.
Finding out on your sixteenth birthday you’re a shape-shifting dragon is tough to swallow. Being hauled off to an elite boarding school is enough to choke on.
Since Bryn is the only crossbreed at the Institute for Excellence, all eyes are on her, but it’s a particular black dragon, Zavien, who catches her attention.
Zavien is tired of the Council’s rules. Segregated clans, being told who to love, and close-minded leaders make freedom of choice almost impossible. The new girl with the striped hair is a breath of fresh air, and with Bryn’s help, they may be able to change the rules.
At the Institute, old grudges, new crushes, and death threats are all part of a normal day for Bryn. She’ll need to learn to control her dragon powers if she wants to make it through her first year at school. But even focusing on staying alive is difficult when you’re falling for someone you can't have.
Going Down in Flames is about Bryn- a girl who can shapeshift into a dragon. I loved it! I don’t think I have ever read a young adult book where the main characters are dragons. It was interesting because none of it felt overdone or standard. Every piece of information that the author gave us really added to my overall picture of the story. Bryn gets shipped off to basically the dragon boarding school, where you learn all about your newly manifested dragon powers and basically get prepped for your life within dragon society.
Bryn is a unique case because she is the product of crossbreading- something that the Directorate (think government full of Umbridges) told everyone wasn’t possible. Her father is a red dragon and her mother is a blue dragon. Bryn became a little bit of each, which means that she has lots of really cool abilities. People from the clans pretty much hate Bryn on sight. Not all of them, but most of them. I felt bad for her. This is all so new to her. Most kids from dragons know what is going on and they know the rules and customs. It’s true that everyone at the school gets their powers at 16, so she is not behind in that aspect but she still doesn’t know anything about their world. So to be dumped into that overnight AND to find out you are pretty much the most hated kid at school is rough. I wouldn’t have blamed her for moping around a bit- but no. Bryn is a feisty one. She is not going to feel sorry for herself, and she is not going to take anything from anyone. I loved Bryn. She is a little spitfire, even if that sometimes gets her in trouble.
My favorite part of Going Down in Flames was learning all about the dragon world. This book read beautifully. Chris Cannon did a fantastic job with the descriptions and background information. I never felt like I was left too in the dark, but I also never felt overwhelmed or like I was in an information dump. The characters are great as well. I really enjoyed the little gang that Bryn met at the school. They were a lot of fun. Not a ton of romance in this, but the little that was there really suited the story. I wasn’t thrilled about the ending of the story. I wanted more and it just kind of stopped. I need another book. It doesn’t say, but I have to believe that this is part of a series. Bring us book two Chris! Going Down in Flames is an easy and super interesting read that you will not want to put down.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Chris Cannon
Thank you for taking the time to read and review my book. I’m thrilled that you liked it. Book two is on the editor’s desk and should come out early 2015.
kindlemom1
I have only ever read one book that had dragons in it as the main characters and it was just alright. This one sounds fantastic though and like something I really should try.
Kim { Book Swoon }
Oooh, I love Dragons and have seen this lovely sounding book around lately. I like that Bryn is a bit of a spitfire for a heroine too. The world sounds fun and fascinating – I’m in! Thanks for the giveaway and great review, Michelle 🙂
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
I’m a dragon fan. And shifter fan. lol. But this sound very neat and Entangled Teen sounds like they’ve had some great books come(ing) out. I look forward to it. 🙂 Thank you!
Stormi
Glad to hear that you liked this one, it’s in my review pile! 🙂
Michelle @ Book Briefs
I hope you enjoy it Stormi 🙂
Blythe J
A shapeshifting dragon girl? I definitely feel that this is a book I would like to read. The world in this book sounds interesting.
Michelle @ Book Briefs
The world is pretty cool I liked the throw back to hogwarts houses as well 😉
Chanpreet
That cover is gorgeous!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Yea, I love it as well 🙂
Thanks for stopping by
Courtney
I am so excited to read this book! A shapeshifting dragon???? That’s awesome!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
It is pretty awesome, isn’t it??
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I absolutely love the cover for this book, so I’m glad that the story lives up to it!! I am a big fan of dragon stories!
Michelle @ Book Briefs
I haven’t read too many dragon stories, but I enjoyed this one. I hope you enjoy it as well 😉
Christine
I must say, I’ve never read a book where the main character can shape-shift into a dragon, and now I’m wondering why that is. I love dragons, and this sounds amazing! 🙂
Michelle @ Book Briefs
I have been really into paranormals that are about less popular creatures. It makes it fresh and fun for me
cyndi f
This book looks great, nothing better then dragons, and the cover is great too, i look forward to reading it, and i really think i will enjoy it so i can’t wait thanks so much
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Yes, I love the cover as well.
Thanks for stopping by Cyndi 😉
Maria Medeiros
This books sounds really amazing! I love dragons so I’m going to add this to my goodreads! 😀
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Yea, the dragon concept is pretty cool 🙂
robyn donnelly
I look forward to reading any and all of your books. Keep up the great writing.