ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS

Alliana, Girl of Dragons is a standalone middle grade fantasy inspired by the Japanese Cinderella story and set in the same world as Eva Evergreen.

My dreams may be great, but my resolve is greater.

Once upon a time, Alliana believed in dreams and fairy tales as sweet as spun-sugar clouds. Alliana wished on shooting stars, sure that someday she and her grandmother would be able to travel to the capital city to see the queen. Then her grandmother passed away—and those dreams disappeared in a disenchanted puff.

Now Alliana’s forced to attend to the whims of her wicked stepmother—with long days of cleaning her stepfamily’s inn as her skin burns raw or staying up until the crack of dawn to embroider her stepsister’s ball gowns. Until she meets two beings who change her life forever—the first is a young nightdragon who Alliana discovers she can magically talk to. And the second is Nela, a young witch.

Nela needs Alliana’s help navigating the mysterious abyss, filled with dangerous beasts, a place Alliana knows by heart. Alliana sees Nela’s request as a chance to break free of her stepmother’s shadow and to seize a chance at a life she’s barely dared to hope for—but there’s a risk. If caught, Alliana will be stuck working for her stepmother for the rest of her life. Can Alliana truly make wisps of dreams into her own, better-than-a-fairy-tale happily ever after?

Perfect for fans of Shannon Hale and the Wings of Fire series, this is an enchanting fairy tale retelling of the Japanese Cinderella that will charm readers to the very last page.

- REVIEWS -

Amazon Best Book of the Month
A Common Sense Selection

”This strong, real, exciting story filled me with a type of excitement that I find in few books. The many twists and turns makes it feel like it could be real. I love Alliana’s bravery and strength, even through the hardest of times." —Sydney, age 11, through the Little Brown Young Readers Faculty program

"Alliana, Girl of Dragons made my heart soar! This beautiful and moving story celebrates internal strength, enduring familial love, and the life-changing power of friendship." —Alyssa Colman, author of The Gilded Girl

“Abe proves herself a master at creating worlds both exciting and comforting as she takes readers on whirlwind adventures. Alliana’s indomitable spirit will delight and excite as she courageously embraces her dreams and encourages readers to do the same." —Adrianna Cuevas, author of the Pura Belpré honor book The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez and Cuba in My Pocket

“This page-turning retelling of “Cinderella” is set in a world that seamlessly incorporates many Japanese cultural elements. Exploring themes like courage, friendships, chosen family, and changing one’s future, the story also touches on classism and greed. The novel, set in the same universe as Abe’s Eva Evergreen series, is accessible to new readers; returning fans will discover more of this world’s history, culture, and creatures while reuniting with some familiar characters at younger ages. Charming, atmospheric spot art opens each chapter. A thrilling take on “Cinderella” with magic and dragons.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This Japanese Cinderella retelling is thrilling and thoughtful, spinning the well-worn story into something fresh and complex.”—Booklist