The Dragons of Heaven

(Paperback)

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Description

Street magician Missy Masters inherited more than the usual genetic cocktail from her estranged grandfather. She also got his preternatural control of shadow and his legacy as the vigilante hero, Mr Mystic. Problem is, being a pulp hero takes more than a good fedora and a knack for witty banter, and Missy lacks the one thing Mr Mystic had- experience. Determined to live up to her birthright, Missy journeys to China to seek the aid of Lung Huang, the ancient master who once guided her grandfather. Lung Huang isn't quite as ancient as Missy expected, and a romantic interlude embroils her in the politics of Lung Huang and his siblings, the nine dragon-guardians of creation. When Lung Di-Lung Huang's brother and mortal enemy-raises a magical barrier that cuts off China from the rest of the world, it falls to the new Mr. Mystic to prove herself by taking down the barrier. As Missy prepares to confront Lung Di, she faces a tough decision- remain loyal to Lung Huang and see China destroyed, or side with the bad guy and save the world. File Under-Fantasy Sins of the Grandfather / Missy and Master / Geek Fu / Little Trouble in Big China

Reviews

All the fun of pulp adventure, filtered through a twenty-firstcentury lens. Helms isnt content simply to play in the genre; shequestions it, complicates it, adds layers it didnt have eighty yearsago. Missys journey to become Mr. Mystic isnt the usual heroictraining montage but its a hell of a lot of fun.
Marie Brennan,author ofA Natural History of Dragons

In her first novelThe Dragons of Heaven, Alyc Helms explores various San Franciscos (the city as it is, was, and looks to passing tourists), as well as the creatures different cultures and their myths collectively call dragons, with an emphasis on the Chinese version. Helms keeps this complicated mix of genres, worlds, and eras (modern, historic, mythic) in balance and in motion throughout the book, leaving me eager for more.
Farren Miller, Locus Magazine

The Dragons of Heavencombines superheroes, romance, ancient mythological China, and does it right. The world-building is stunning, and Missys challenges feel incredibly real as do her reactions to amazing worlds shes put in. In fighting against the machinations of overly honorable yet incredibly nefarious ancient dragons, its clear shes the best chance humanitys got.
Cassie Alexander, author of the Edie Spence series

The Dragons of Heavenis a fun read. It is a genre blend that combines urban fantasy with folkloric myth, the superhero comic, romance, and the complex family dynamics featured in mainstream fiction. There is magical action driving the plot aplenty, there are moments of humor and pop culture reference. But there are also great doses of introspection, of character development for Missy, and deep themes at its core.
Skiffy & Fanty

If you are looking for a fresh urban fantasywith superheroes, Chinese folklore, realistic heroine and a great story, then you must try it out!
Bookworm Dreams

The Dragons of Heavenstraddles the divisions between mythology, pulp adventure, superhero comic, and bathetic tragedy.The Dragons of Heavenis fun. Its a mashup of epic genres. Its an action-packed romance spanning decades and continents.Recommended for fans of Jack Burton,Astro City, andTea from an Empty Cup.
The Dinglehopper

A fun debut novel that mashes up Chinese folklore, urban fantasy, comic book heroes and martial arts adventure in a lively package.
Wyrmflight

If you want a book that is fun, funny, action-packed, thrilling, a bit romantic and sexy, joyful, whip-smart, and a good romp,The Dragons of Heavenreally should be up your street.
Bastians Book Reviews

"A nice spin on the superhero novel genre and a rather delightful reading experience as well."
The Geeky Guide to Nearly Everything

Author Bio

Alyc Helms did her graduate work in anthropology and folklore, which makes her useless for just about anything except writing. She lives and writes in a dilapidated beach bungalow outside of San Francisco, near a horse trail, a troll bridge, and a raptor preserve (hopefully, the veloci- variety). THE DRAGONS OF HEAVEN is her debut novel.