Get our latest book recommendations, author news, and competitions right to your inbox.
Table of Contents
About The Book
“A zingy, buoyant adventure.” —BCCB
“A wildly inventive fantasy.” —Booklist
Thirteen-year-old chef Lailu Loganberry must stop a war between the elves and scientists in this follow-up to A Dash of Dragon, which Kirkus Reviews calls “a recipe for success.”
It’s the Week of Masks, a festival held to chase away evil spirits. But Lailu doesn’t have time to worry about demons. She has bigger fish to fry—or rather, griffons, now that she’s been asked to prepare a mystical feast for the king’s executioner, Lord Elister.
Unfortunately Lailu’s meal is overshadowed by the scientists’ latest invention: automatons, human-shaped machines that will respond to their masters’ every order. Most people are excited by the possibilities, but the mechanical men leave Lailu with a bad taste in her mouth.
Even worse, the elves still blame the scientists for the attacks on them weeks ago, and Lailu worries that the elves might be cooking up revenge. So when she and her sorta-rival-turned-almost-friend Greg stumble across the body of a scientist, the elves are the prime suspects. With help from Greg, her best friend Hannah, and the sneaky, winking spy Ryon, Lailu has to discover the truth behind the murder, and soon—because hostilities between the elves and the scientists are about to boil over faster than hydra stew.
And just ask any chef: war is bad for business.
“A wildly inventive fantasy.” —Booklist
Thirteen-year-old chef Lailu Loganberry must stop a war between the elves and scientists in this follow-up to A Dash of Dragon, which Kirkus Reviews calls “a recipe for success.”
It’s the Week of Masks, a festival held to chase away evil spirits. But Lailu doesn’t have time to worry about demons. She has bigger fish to fry—or rather, griffons, now that she’s been asked to prepare a mystical feast for the king’s executioner, Lord Elister.
Unfortunately Lailu’s meal is overshadowed by the scientists’ latest invention: automatons, human-shaped machines that will respond to their masters’ every order. Most people are excited by the possibilities, but the mechanical men leave Lailu with a bad taste in her mouth.
Even worse, the elves still blame the scientists for the attacks on them weeks ago, and Lailu worries that the elves might be cooking up revenge. So when she and her sorta-rival-turned-almost-friend Greg stumble across the body of a scientist, the elves are the prime suspects. With help from Greg, her best friend Hannah, and the sneaky, winking spy Ryon, Lailu has to discover the truth behind the murder, and soon—because hostilities between the elves and the scientists are about to boil over faster than hydra stew.
And just ask any chef: war is bad for business.
About The Authors
Photograph © Devi Pride
Heidi Lang managed to stumble upon the two best jobs in the world: writing for kids and walking dogs. If she’s not out on the trails surrounded by wagging tails and puppy kisses, she’s probably hunched over her laptop working on her next book. She lives in northern California with her husband and two adventure-loving dogs, and she is the coauthor of the Mystic Cooking Chronicles and Whispering Pines series, and author of Out of Range. Find her on X (previously known as Twitter) @HidLang or visit the website she shares with her writing partner at HeidiandKatiBooks.com.
Photograph © Portia Shao
Kati Bartkowski was originally drawn to illustration before she got swept up in the world of words. Nowadays she’s a fan of creating fantastical creatures and feisty heroines in both mediums. If she’s not reading, writing, or drawing, she’s probably chasing after her high energy little girl. She lives in northern California and is the coauthor of the Mystic Cooking Chronicles and Whispering Pines series. Find her on X (previously known as Twitter) @KTBartkowski or visit the website she shares with her writing partner at HeidiandKatiBooks.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Aladdin (July 10, 2018)
- Length: 320 pages
- ISBN13: 9781481477970
- Ages: 8 - 12
Browse Related Books
Raves and Reviews
The plot rockets along, the third-person narration peppered by agreeably colloquial dialogue. Mix a dash of humor with some action and adventure, throw in a couple of cute boys plus a gutsy heroine—this novel is a recipe for success—perfect for Top Chef fans with a penchant for the fantastical.
– Kirkus Reviews on A Dash of Dragon
This middle grade fantasy introduces an exciting world where engaging human and magical characters live together. The title tackles themes of abandonment, loneliness, risk-taking, trust, and friendship. Readers are likely to become wrapped up in Laila’s story and anxious to know what her fate will be.
– School Library Journal on A Dash of Dragon
A Dash of Dragon, by sisters Heidi Lang and Kati Bartkowski, is fast-paced, funny and chock-full of action. Lailu is a brilliant chef, a brave and skilled hunter and a savvy business owner--but she is still very much a 13-year-old, whose curses include "What the spatula?" and, when she's really upset, "Butter knives!" Absolutely charming." "
– Shelf Awareness, *Starred Review* for A Dash of Dragon
"A zingy, buoyant adventure where the happy ending is certain but the path to it is enjoyably twisty."
– BCCB on A Dash of Dragon
"A wildly inventive fantasy with wide appeal."
– Booklist on A Dash of Dragon
Lang and Bartkowski continue Lailu’s adventures in a world that cooks up magic, fantastical beasts, steampunk science, and a dash of murder mystery in a story that will attract readers who enjoy not only fantasy adventure but cooking TV shows, such as MasterChef Junior.""
– Booklist on A Hint of Hydra
"Lang’s gripping tale is chock-full of adventure and action."
– School Library Journal on A Hint of Hydra
"solving the magical whodunit and battling against steampunk-inspired automatons easily reinforce Lailu’s heroism and allow for an engaging, self-contained adventure."
– BCCB on A Hint of Hydra
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): A Hint of Hydra eBook 9781481477970
- Author Photo (jpg): Heidi Lang Photograph © Devi Pride(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
- Author Photo (jpg): Kati Bartkowski Photograph © Portia Shao(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
