Abi Elphinstone is a master storyteller and Rumblestar is perfect.

Caspar, gets bullied at school and has no friends. Not that his timetable allows for friendship but he craves it nonetheless.
Utterly, has a storm brewing inside her due to a loss and pushes away anyone who tries to break through to her.

These two unlikely children, and a small dragon named Arlo, must save Rumblestar and ultimately, the Faraway! No easy task, especially with obstacles such as cloud giants, midnights and drizzle hags to work around.

There are so many wonderful moments in this book, full of bravery from unlikely hero Caspar, emotional breakthroughs with storm ridden Utterly, and a first fire breath from Arlo to power Zip, the amazing hot air balloon.

I just can’t say more or else it will give away valuable parts of the story that need to be read!

I do love the potential for more in the series, the links to the past of Smudge and Bartholomew, and the unexpected friends you meet along the way!

One of the best books of the year! I predict great things for this series!