The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: Isabella Airyfairyabelous & the Sleepy Dragon by by Marie Lukic

Book Details:

Author: Marie Lukic 
Release Date:
April 2025
Series: Kingdom of Nerada (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Format: E-book 
Pages: 145 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Princess Isabella embarks on a quest to find a magical cure for her tragically ill mother, Queen Julianne. Her exciting adventures lead her to hunt and fly sea dragons. Will Isabella finally discover a cure when all others have failed?
She also encounters Cyclops Ponder and his family as he battles for freedom after slavery.
An exciting adventure into a fantastical world where wonder thrives, danger lurks and humour occurs at every turn!

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Isabella Airyfairyabelous & the Sleepy Dragon by Marie Lukic is a fantasy book that is whimsical, witty, and full of wonder. It is a joyride through a richly imaginative world that children (and adults with a playful heart) will adore.

Princess Isabella is no ordinary royal—she’s brave, quirky, and driven by a fierce love for her mother, Queen Julianne, who’s fallen gravely ill. When traditional cures fail, Isabella sets off on a quest brimming with dragons, magic, unexpected allies, and some seriously laugh-out-loud moments.

What I loved most is how effortlessly author Lukic blends classic fairy tale elements with modern charm. The writing sparkles with humor, the world-building is vibrant and whimsical, and the characters are unforgettable. There’s depth beneath the adventure with themes of courage, freedom, and love running throughout the tale.

For young readers, this is the perfect introduction to fantasy as it is accessible yet layered with emotion and meaning. And for grown-up readers? It’s a reminder of the kind of magic we used to believe in. I’d recommend it for fans of How to Train Your Dragon, Ella Enchanted, and the kind of stories that make bedtime reading a nightly event to look forward to.


You can also read this review at:

Goodreads


Amazon


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I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

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Read this captivating story on the adventures and hardships of Frank Knightlite, a man who strives to illuminate darkness with his lantern in search of answers to life’s questions.
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