A review by kellysrambles
The First Shadowdragon by Lee Newbery

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I adored ‘The Last Firefox’ when I read it last year and was delighted to discover there was going to be a sequel! These books are so charming, packed full of adventure and emotion with lush characters! 

“There’a a unicorn butt poking out of our lawn” - epic first line which had me chuckling from the very outset. 

It’s not long before Charlie’s life turns on its head yet again when Teg turns up at his house with a plethora of magical creatures including a sassy snabbit and a mythical floradoe, Blodyn. Before long Charlie is forced to enter Fargone with his Dad, Pa and best friends Lippy, Roo and firefox Cadno. 

Then begins an epic adventure to fight the evil creature Draig and save the land of Fargone. Featuring old friends and new, Charlie’s adventure will have you hooked from beginning to end. 

I adore the characters in these books. Reading about gay parents in such a natural way always warms my heart and I can’t wait for the day I have my own family for them to read these books. 

A large nod has to go to all of the Welsh references in these books too! Aside from Wales as a setting, there is inclusion of Welsh language and nods to Welsh history and mythology which make me brim with pride! 

Thank you to Puffin, Lee Newbery and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest review.