Dragons and their riders compete in an international sports tournament in this alternate contemporary world fantasy
Lana Torres has always preferred dragons to people. In a few weeks, sixteen countries will compete in the Blazewrath World Cup, a tournament where dragons and their riders fight for glory in a dangerous relay. Lana longs to represent her native Puerto Rico in their first ever World Cup appearance, and when Puerto Rico’s Runner—the only player without a dragon steed—is kicked off the team, she’s given the chance.
But when she discovers that a former Blazewrath superstar has teamed up with the Sire—a legendary dragon who’s cursed into human form—the safety of the Cup is jeopardized. The pair are burning down dragon sanctuaries around the world and refuse to stop unless the Cup gets cancelled. All Lana wanted was to represent her country. Now, to do that, she’ll have to navigate an international conspiracy that’s deadlier than her beloved sport.
“The best way to get nerds like me invested in sports is to add dragons, and that is something Blazewrath Games does beautifully. Featuring a heart-pounding, inventive competition and a compelling, global conspiracy, Ortiz knocks it out of the park with this debut.”
–Rachel Strolle, Teen Services Coordinator, Glenside Illinois Public Library District
“Blazewrath Games lingered behind my eyelids in cinematic flashes: Witches and wizards! Dragons! Life and death stakes! Ortiz delivers it all with dazzling imagery and a heroine who wins the gold cup for personality and voice. This is an incredible debut and marks Amparo Ortiz as an author to watch in the YA arena. ”
– Karuna Riazi, author of The Gauntlet and The Battle
“Rich in magic, history, and ride-or-die friendships, Ortiz’s debut blazes into dragon canon bringing with it complex identities, a love for Puerto Rico, and fiery Sol de Noche dragons! I’m excited to see what Ortiz does next!”
–Mia Garcia, author of The Resolutions
*“An intriguing take on identity that will speak perfectly to both fantasy fans and realistic readers; recommended for any library.”
– BOOKLIST, starred review
“In a nonstop, dragon-roaring adventure, this mash-up of magical realism and coming-of-age story will keep readers enthralled until the last page.”
– SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“Part coming-of-age, part magical adventure, dragon fans are sure to enjoy this fast-paced and inclusive book.”
– KIRKUS REVIEWS
A deadly new sport is making dragons disappear.
Playing in the Blazewrath World Cup with Team Puerto Rico and the Sol de Noche dragons had been Lana Torres’s dream come true—until it turned into a nightmare. To rid the world of the dragon supremacists, Lana and her friends had to cancel the games forever.
Without the sport that brought them together, the whole team returns to Puerto Rico to recover. But rest isn’t in the cards. Someone is kidnapping dragons and has set their sights on the Sol de Noches.
To keep their dragons safe, Team Puerto Rico has to take down an underground cabal of evil magic users who are fighting stolen dragons to the death. But even if they join forces with Blazewrath-superstar-turned-international-fugitive Takeshi Endo, will they be able to stop the most powerful witch the world has ever seen?
“Come for the dragons, stay for the thrilling adventure, heart, amazing representation, and punchy writing that will keep you glued to the page. I didn’t want it to end!”
―Kalynn Bayron, bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead
“Dragonblood Ring is a searing sequel―filled with magic, monsters, and perfectly paced chapters that will keep you up late, racing around the world with its cast of perfectly snarky characters.”
―Sarah Henning, author of The Princess Will Save You and Sea Witch
“With rich world-building, a diverse cast of believable characters, and an infectiously enjoyable style, Ortiz has created a book that’s impossible to put down and easy to love.”
―Anya Josephs, author of Queen of All
“Ortiz takes readers back into the Blazewrath world with a heart-touching exploration of identity and belonging, wrapped up in magic, dragons, and high stakes. A soaring one-of-a-kind ride!”
― Rebecca Coffindaffer, author of Crownchasers
“Dragonblood Ring is a brilliant adventure of a book that is both emotionally compelling and intensely readable. It kept me up long into the night, as I rooted for the characters and raced through the twists of the story. Highly recommended!”
― Jamie Pacton, author of The Life and Medieval Times of Kit Sweetly and Lucky Girl