The first in a BRAND NEW cosy fantasy series from Jessica Thorne, nominated for European Science Fiction Society's 2026 Hall of Fame Award as best author. Perfect for fans of A. T. Qereshi, T J Klune and Sarah Beth Durst.
Every lost soul can find a home on Starling Island...

When apothecary Portia Starling clashes with the Academy, she knows exactly how it will end. With her family's notorious reputation, someone has to take the blame ­- and it's going to be her. So, reluctantly, she retreats to Starling Island - a place she hasn't considered home in years - to await news of her future.

Noah Turner has always dreamed of travelling north to study the great dragons of Elanholm. However, as a vet with no magic, funding his research feels impossible. But when an opportunity arises to help at Iris Starling's dragon sanctuary, he can't afford to turn it down. If he can prove himself there, he might finally reach his dream.

Portia and Noah immediately dislike one another. Noah assumes Portia is an entitled Academy poser, collecting dragons as a trend, while Portia finds him bossy and overbearing. But with the lives of the poor, sickly rescue dragons on the line, can they see past their differences?

The first in a page-turning new fantasy series, full of heart, humour and healing. Perfect for fans of A. T. Qereshi, T J Klune and Sarah Beth Durst.