Recommended for children grade 5 and up, this book is written by Riondel author Sharman Horwood. She is in artist, as well. The cover of the book is her artwork. Sharman did an author presentation to the grades 4-6 class, that was successful and well received.

Summary of the book:

• The Awakening: A young girl named Anya goes for one last summer swim in Kootenay Lake, but wakes up to find a frightened, orphaned dragon hatchling named Wend sleeping on her legs.

• The Vanishing: The great lake dragons of the region have disappeared into the high mountain peaks, leaving behind empty nests and Wend, the last of his clan. Through physical touch, Wend communicates with Anya using vivid pictures of soaring wings, abandoned eggs, and a growing darkness rising from the deep water.

• The Threat: Anya’s Uncle Doug returns home from the war in Afghanistan, but he is changed. He carries more than emotional and physical scars—he possesses a mysterious staff that can burn water and summon lightning, and he has been possessed or replaced by an ancient, non-human, hungry entity wearing his skin.

• The Journey: To track down the lost dragons and save her family, Anya must bond with Wend, riding the young hatchling through dangerous skies ruled by storm and stone, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the monstrous entity her uncle has become.