A Hint of Hydra

(Hardback)

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Description

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.

Its the Week of Masks, a festival held to chase away evil spirits. But Lailu doesnt have time to worry about demons. She has bigger fish to fryor rather, griffons, now that shes been asked to prepare a mystical feast for the kings executioner, Lord Elister.

Unfortunately Lailus 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 soonbecause 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.

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 heroinethis novel is a recipe for successperfect 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 Lailas 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 Lailus 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 *
"Langs gripping tale is chock-full of adventure and action." * School Library Journal *
"solving the magical whodunit and battling against steampunk-inspired automatons easily reinforce Lailus heroism and allow for an engaging, self-contained adventure." * BCCB *

Author Bio

Heidi Lang managed to stumble upon the two best jobs in the world: writing for kids and walking dogs. If shes not out on the trails surrounded by wagging tails and puppy kisses, shes 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 ofthe Mystic Cooking Chronicles andWhispering Pines series, and author ofOut of Range. Find her on Twitter @HidLang or visit the website she shares with her writing partner at HeidiandKatiBooks.com.

Kati Bartkowski was originally drawn to illustration before she got swept up in the world of words. Nowadays shes a fan of creating fantastical creatures and feisty heroines in both mediums. If shes not reading, writing, or drawing, shes probably chasing after her high energy little girl. She lives in northern California and is the coauthor ofthe Mystic Cooking Chronicles andWhispering Pines series. Find her on Twitter @KTBartkowski or visit the website she shares with her writing partner at HeidiandKatiBooks.com.