Coverage & Reviews
“It’s a really amazing example of great world building. So atmospheric, there’s a real thrill in nearly every chapter.”
— Elaina Ryan (Childrens Books Ireland) on Ireland AM
“Irish author Siobhan McDermott grew up in Hong Kong and mixes Chinese legend with her own fertile imagination. Zhi Ging’s mettle is tested against a backdrop of rising crisis, with grit trumping impostor syndrome.”
— Kitty Empire for The Guardian
“The first in a rip-roaring high-fantasy series from debut Irish-Chinese author McDermott, the highly detailed narrative and extensive worldbuilding is sure to cast a spell on its readers.”
— Ruth Concannon for Irish Examiner
“McDermott’s is a fresh approach to the topic of impossibly dangerous cryptic school challenges, infused with fragments of Chinese legends and her own childhood memories.”
— Pet O’Connell for Irish Examiner
Reviews
Selected by The Guardian for their Children’s and teens roundup – the best new chapter books
Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm is the first in an unmissable magical fantasy series, set to take the world by storm. This is a heart-racing children’s novel that transcends the boundaries of fantasy storytelling. McDermott’s masterful crafting and world-building makes it a must-read for children aged 9+ — Better Reading (AUS)
A new classic fantasy adventure! — Eoin Colfer, internationally bestselling author
A soaring, luminous new world ... An absolute delight! — Jessica Townsend, bestselling author of Nevermoor series
A book full of magical delight! — Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths
An incredibly original and immersive fantasy adventure. I cannot wait to read more! — L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency
An enthralling story set in a world of dragons, cloud seas, jellyfish companions and so much more. An absolute feast for the senses!
— Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant
A hidden underwater realm, a looming evil in the world beyond and, of course, dragons! I have no doubt readers are going to fall in love with this magical new world
— J.J. Arcanjo, author of the Crookhaven series
A gorgeous read from start to finish — Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha and the Spirit Bird
A thrillingly immersive story of courage, self-discovery, and magic - as intricate as a glass dragon — Sinead O'Hart, author of The Silver Road
