Dancing With Dragons

In Western Australia's Coral Coast, a young girl's life is forever changed when she discovers a magical secret beneath the waves. After a devastating tragedy, Gaia, a talented ballet dancer with a promising future, is torn from her family and her dreams. Two years later, she returns to the abandoned property, determined to survive off the land. As she navigates the harsh realities of isolation, she finds solace in the wild animals and a deep bond with Mary and Eddie, an Aboriginal couple who work on the neighboring property. But when Jarrah, Mary's orphaned nephew, stumbles upon Gaia's dance on the beach, an unlikely friendship blossoms. As they find comfort in each other's company, they discover that the natural world can heal and transform even in the darkest times. Dancing With Dragons by Jenni Ogden is a spellbinding, heartwarming tale filled with lessons about life, identity, and the quest for meaning in a harsh world.  

Jenni Ogden is a gifted storyteller with a unique gift for character. The characters in the novel are well-developed and sophisticated, and the author deftly explores their motivations and the climates of their inner worlds. Apart from Gaia, the supporting cast is intelligently explored. Gaia's mother, Margot, is a former ballet dancer pushing her daughter to pursue a career in the same field. Gaia's father, Joe, is more laid-back and supportive but struggles with his sense of purpose. Bron, Gaia's older brother, is leaving for the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne, which leaves Gaia feeling abandoned and uncertain about her future. Gaia’s emotions are beautifully written, and her internal struggles shine through the narrative. Dancing with Dragons weaves together themes of family, identity, and the struggles of growing up. Gaia is a 14-year-old ballet dancer torn between her passion for dance and her desire to explore the world beyond her small coastal town. The story is filled with emotionally rich scenes, such as when Gaia discovers the weedy seadragons mating on the reef. This scene is a turning point for Gaia, as it shows her the beauty and wonder of the natural world and makes her question her priorities and desires. Another emotionally captivating scene is the argument between Gaia and Bron after they return from their snorkeling trip. Bron has been smoking in secret, which is a breach of their parents' rules, and Gaia feels betrayed and angry. The bond between Gaia and young Jarrah becomes the highlight of the narrative and brilliantly captures these characters' humanity. Dancing With Dragons suspenseful narrative features intriguing characters, a finely drawn setting, and strong and cleverly articulated themes.