Skylark

Madison debuts with a thrilling pirate fantasy that fails to stick the landing. In the 18th century, Starlene, captain of the Zodiac, is killed by Cornelius Blackfoot, the “Emissary of Destruction,” after years of fighting at sea. But before Starlene breathes her last, she informs her apprentice, Belladonna Skylark, of a prophecy that says Belladonna will be the one to kill Blackfoot and reveals Belladonna’s true identity: she’s the last of her family line, a Dragon Majestic poised to defeat the Demonclaw Court. With Starlene dead, Belladonna is left to take command of the Zodiac, and, while struggling to make the sailors accept her as their captain, she points the ship for the Isla del Drágon to learn more about her history and her destiny. Madison ups the stakes on this mission by putting the murderous Blackfoot fast on the Zodiac’s tail. By combining dragon lore and a golden age of piracy setting, Madison makes both familiar tropes feel new again, and her ferocious heroine will draw readers in. Unfortunately, in setting up a sequel, the author gives the story at hand short shrift, delivering an abrupt and disappointing anticlimax. It’s all setup, no payoff. (Aug.)