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Dragonscale #1
The 13th Key
Noah Chord is just an ordinary teenager ... or is she?
One day, hearing-impaired, budding fashion designer, Noah, is at school; the next she's saving the world. Not her world though - a place called Talisker, a world woven from music. And it all started when she met that cat!
A reluctant hero, Noah finds herself at the centre of a prophecy: find the 13th key and save Talisker from destruction. To succeed she must outwit the charismatic Orville Kurz, battle wizards and goblins, and even counsel her allies. Noah's catwalk crusades have tested her fighting spirit, but she will need all her tenacity if she is to restore the fabric of Talisker and save its inhabitants from Orville's evil plot!
The 13th Key is the first book in Sarah Fisher's magical Dragonscale series. Written with much humour, imagination and fashion tips, Noah's adventures will leave you breathless - and reaching for the next book.
One day, hearing-impaired, budding fashion designer, Noah, is at school; the next she's saving the world. Not her world though - a place called Talisker, a world woven from music. And it all started when she met that cat!
A reluctant hero, Noah finds herself at the centre of a prophecy: find the 13th key and save Talisker from destruction. To succeed she must outwit the charismatic Orville Kurz, battle wizards and goblins, and even counsel her allies. Noah's catwalk crusades have tested her fighting spirit, but she will need all her tenacity if she is to restore the fabric of Talisker and save its inhabitants from Orville's evil plot!
The 13th Key is the first book in Sarah Fisher's magical Dragonscale series. Written with much humour, imagination and fashion tips, Noah's adventures will leave you breathless - and reaching for the next book.
338 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2017
2 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fisher
5 books11 followersSarah Fisher lives west of Brisbane, Australia. Years working in accounting convinced her that reality was overrated, and story-writing was her escape. A fantasy fiction tragic, Sarah plonked away on her keyboard writing short stories before conquering NaNoWriMo in 2005. The following year, she became a teacher – corralling children by day and unruly fictional characters by night. The plonking continued until her first novel, The 13th Key, was accepted for publication in 2016.
And the plonking goes on … The 13th Key is just the beginning!
Sarah is living proof that while growing older is compulsory, growing up is not.
And the plonking goes on … The 13th Key is just the beginning!
Sarah is living proof that while growing older is compulsory, growing up is not.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 12, 2019
The 13th key is a YA fantasy novel, first in a series. Noah Chord is deaf. But one day she meets a cat and she can hear the sounds that cat makes. At first she thought it was a hallucination but then Noah the same cat again, only now accompanied by a mysterious boy called Emir. Emir tells her he is from another world that faces a great peril and he came to ask Noah to save his world as she is prophesied to do it.
One thing I really liked was that Talisker, the world in need of saving, was made of music. And everything in it was also made of music. That concept was fascinating to read about.
But I really didn't like a few things. Like I already mentioned, Noah is deaf and I really liked to see this representation in a YA novel. But not even 10% into the book her disability gets cured by means of magic. Which seriously pissed me off. So that is something to keep in mind if you were thinking of picking up this book.
Another thing was the fact that Noah takes her best friend with her to Talisker. That's lovely and all,but the girl tells her mother that she is going to a magical land in order to save it from an evel wizard,and her mother is just like Okay honey,have a nice trip. I mean,really? What kind if a mother is she? This thing rubbed me the wrong way.
The story itself was fairly interesting, but those two things as well as an unnecessary romance took away my enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
One thing I really liked was that Talisker, the world in need of saving, was made of music. And everything in it was also made of music. That concept was fascinating to read about.
But I really didn't like a few things. Like I already mentioned, Noah is deaf and I really liked to see this representation in a YA novel. But not even 10% into the book her disability gets cured by means of magic. Which seriously pissed me off. So that is something to keep in mind if you were thinking of picking up this book.
Another thing was the fact that Noah takes her best friend with her to Talisker. That's lovely and all,but the girl tells her mother that she is going to a magical land in order to save it from an evel wizard,and her mother is just like Okay honey,have a nice trip. I mean,really? What kind if a mother is she? This thing rubbed me the wrong way.
The story itself was fairly interesting, but those two things as well as an unnecessary romance took away my enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2022
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a wonderful young adult fantasy.
Although in places the story is a bit far fetched for me, overall this was really enjoyable.
The characters are well developed and with plenty of twists in the plot it makes for an easy read.
This is a wonderful young adult fantasy.
Although in places the story is a bit far fetched for me, overall this was really enjoyable.
The characters are well developed and with plenty of twists in the plot it makes for an easy read.
June 3, 2019
Rating: 2.5/5
Review: Some reviews iterated that the plot was wooden and cliched, while another thought that the romance was rushed and the story line a bit boring. The reviews that lend 4-5 stars are not really reviews at all. A publisher and a couple of descriptive reviews that hold no narrative content. . Where do I sit in all this? Read on!
Noah is speshul. Since she is a reluctant hero, she gets get points for being super speshully. Chase plays her venturesome sidekick along with an Alsatian, which is a snobby way of saying “German Shepherd”, pre-1970. Rounding out the main characters is the evil and oh so hot and sexy Orville and plodding yet hunky, Emir.
The total immersion into the love Tribangle scene never came to pass and that I am thankful for. The gurl on guy on guy stuff kind of comes out of nowhere and suddenly Noah is blushing and stealing kisses from boys. Huh? Noah runs pretty hot and cold on boys but it becomes a constant theme towards the end of the novel. This forced foray into romance ruins what was once a solid YA fantasy adventure novel.
The story line and world building are a mixed bag. There is an evolving and interesting story that moves in unexpected creative directions. While some of those directions are entertaining, others just don’t mesh well with the overall plot. These disruptions/diversions seek to lend some much needed creative change to a pedantic story line.
While the premise that supports Noah’s lure in the adventure is really weak (fashion show) I had a good time reading this. There was some page flipping in scenes that were being beaten to death and hence the boredom issues with some reviewers is revealed. I think this is geared for the 13 year old crowd that yearns to be 16, but then again, wtf do I know about YA’s.
This really has no right to continue on in a series when the story could have been told in one go. To drag this tired old horse down another rocky path is just cruel.
January 2, 2022
If you love Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and the Chronicles of Narnia, this is the book for you.
Noah Chord has big dreams. Hearing-impaired and a budding fashion designer, teenage Noah has her future planned. Saving the world isn’t part of it. It’s not her world, though. It’s a place called Talisker, a world woven from music.
Teleported to Talisker, Noah finds herself at the centre of a prophecy: find the 13th key and save Talisker from destruction. But saving its inhabitants from the charismatic Orville Kurz, the King’s advisor determined to destroy the world with blood magic, will require all of Noah’s tenacity and fashion talent.
The 13TH Key is the first book in Sarah Fisher's magical fantasy Dragonscale series, and a perfect novel for children aged ten to fourteen—and anyone young at heart. The world building is by far one of the best aspects of this novel, with Talisker’s physical and historical components crafted to be realistic for the reader. Noah’s adventure in Talisker is both action-packed and comedic as she battles wizards and goblins, counsels friends and allies, and experiences her first encounter with romance.
The pacing is well balanced between the novel’s faster action scenes and slower character building scenes, which works in creating a story that flows seamlessly. Noah is a fully-fleshed out character. Her optimism leads her into difficult and hilarious situations, and the challenges she encounters provides further character growth.
Overall, The 13TH Key is a fantastic introductory to a new world of epic fantasy adventure.
Noah Chord has big dreams. Hearing-impaired and a budding fashion designer, teenage Noah has her future planned. Saving the world isn’t part of it. It’s not her world, though. It’s a place called Talisker, a world woven from music.
Teleported to Talisker, Noah finds herself at the centre of a prophecy: find the 13th key and save Talisker from destruction. But saving its inhabitants from the charismatic Orville Kurz, the King’s advisor determined to destroy the world with blood magic, will require all of Noah’s tenacity and fashion talent.
The 13TH Key is the first book in Sarah Fisher's magical fantasy Dragonscale series, and a perfect novel for children aged ten to fourteen—and anyone young at heart. The world building is by far one of the best aspects of this novel, with Talisker’s physical and historical components crafted to be realistic for the reader. Noah’s adventure in Talisker is both action-packed and comedic as she battles wizards and goblins, counsels friends and allies, and experiences her first encounter with romance.
The pacing is well balanced between the novel’s faster action scenes and slower character building scenes, which works in creating a story that flows seamlessly. Noah is a fully-fleshed out character. Her optimism leads her into difficult and hilarious situations, and the challenges she encounters provides further character growth.
Overall, The 13TH Key is a fantastic introductory to a new world of epic fantasy adventure.
October 19, 2018
(I received a free physical book from the author in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own)
Book review: The 13th Key (Dragonscale #1) by Sarah Fisher (2.5 stars)
The 13th Key (Dragonscale #1) by Sarah Fisher
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
(Review)
(DISCLAIMER: This review is based on my opinion only.)
Noah is deaf and mute, but when she gets transported to Talisker to help Emir, Brinn and Sachin as the Dragonsbane, her life is turned upside down.
The story followed the heroine’s journey with an interesting protagonist. The world building was easy to follow and the prophecy was introduced right at the start. It feels like a sci-fi version of The Queen’s rising by Rebecca Ross and is also great for sci-fi beginners because the world building was easy to understand.
The pacing was a little too quick for me as too many things seemed to be happening all at once. But by 1/2 of the book, I was bored and couldn’t pay attention to the book. The romance felt rushed to me and the things felt more like they were being explored rather than pushing the story forward.
Book review: The 13th Key (Dragonscale #1) by Sarah Fisher (2.5 stars)
The 13th Key (Dragonscale #1) by Sarah Fisher
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
(Review)
(DISCLAIMER: This review is based on my opinion only.)
Noah is deaf and mute, but when she gets transported to Talisker to help Emir, Brinn and Sachin as the Dragonsbane, her life is turned upside down.
The story followed the heroine’s journey with an interesting protagonist. The world building was easy to follow and the prophecy was introduced right at the start. It feels like a sci-fi version of The Queen’s rising by Rebecca Ross and is also great for sci-fi beginners because the world building was easy to understand.
The pacing was a little too quick for me as too many things seemed to be happening all at once. But by 1/2 of the book, I was bored and couldn’t pay attention to the book. The romance felt rushed to me and the things felt more like they were being explored rather than pushing the story forward.
October 8, 2017
When the fate of Talisker relies on a solitary teenage girl, she uses her most important weapons: a needle and thread.After deaf mute sixteen-year-old, Noah Chord is transported from Earth to the planet of Talisker, she quickly realises that she is more than just another intergalactic visitor: she is the Dragonsbane. This honour comes with responsibilities and soon Noah is swept up in events that exceed even the imagination of her best friend and ‘fictioneer', Chase.Can Noah use her fashion and sewing skills to save Talisker from the evil Orville... or will the planet and its musical inhabitants come to an abrupt end? It will all come down to finding the 13th key and fast!Sarah Fisher's debut novel, The 13th Key, is a well scribed novel that will appeal to the most ardent of Harry Potter fans. Featuring rebellious teens, an obstinate cat and a bloodthirsty villain, The 13th Key is an adventurous, fantastical ride.
September 7, 2017
i was the lucky winner of a copy of this novel through a goodreads win. this is a wonderful story about a deaf teenaged girl named noah. she discovers she is really part alien from the planet talisker, and she is also the dragonsbane , the person who is the one who keeps the dragon asleep. the story is told through a search for 'the 13th key' which is a musical instrument used to keep the harmony so the dragon stays sleeping. there are many themes throughout the story with friendship being the strongest one. this is a great fantasy/adventure story. syndi
September 5, 2018
The 13th Key left me feeling like I just discovered a rare gem in books! I love the premise of this book that lends the story an enchanting view of just how an unlikely heroine can save the day!
Noah Chord isn't the typical heroine that I am used to reading about with little to no flaws. She is deaf and mute. But, she doesn't allow that to hinder what she knows she must do. I adore the strength this character shows throughout the entire book and I highly recommend The 13th Key to anyone who enjoys a cleverly developed storyline that is adventurous, funny and surprising.
Noah Chord isn't the typical heroine that I am used to reading about with little to no flaws. She is deaf and mute. But, she doesn't allow that to hinder what she knows she must do. I adore the strength this character shows throughout the entire book and I highly recommend The 13th Key to anyone who enjoys a cleverly developed storyline that is adventurous, funny and surprising.
July 24, 2021
This was such an excellent read! I was sad to see it end. I loved the unique world that the author created! The cast of characters were very entertaining. I look forward to reading the other two books in this marvelous series!
January 28, 2018
I'm afraid I found the writing a little wooden and the plot unoriginal and clichéd.
July 26, 2019
a thrilling book great for harry potter lovers
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews