Dragoron by H.S. Matthews

Lottie Jones and the Magical Realms: Dragoron is a whimsical story about a young girl who learns she is destined to be the High Sorceress of the magical realms. The book is written as if you were reading through Lottie’s personal diary. She recounts an adventure full of magical abilities and majestic dragons. The story ends on a cliff hanger and leaves you ready to portal into HS Matthews next book! A great read. I recommend this book for ages 10 and up.

Before we talk to HS Matthews, let’s read the synopsis for LJATMR:

Lottie is just an ordinary young girl, living with her parents in the suburbs, attending the local school, chilling out with her friends, and leading pretty ordinary life. But then her mysterious aunt visits. And nothing about Lottie is ordinary anymore. Overnight, her world is filled with magic and sorcery. She is tasked with protecting the Magical Realms, alongside her three loyal friends who are destined to take part of her amazing adventure from young girl to sorceress. Their emotions are all over the place…from sadness, devastation, loss and fear, to empowerment and joy. Their mission is challenging and a world away from their usual day to tay lives. Packed with unimaginable trials and tests, Lottie and her pals are pushed to their limits. Will they succeed? Will they find enough strength to project Lottie’s family?

J.C. - Welcome! Before we jump into talking about Dragoron, can you take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers. H.S. - Hi! Firstly thank you so much for asking me to participate, Jessica. A little about me: I live in the UK with my husband and dog. I started writing seriously a couple of years ago and my first novel was published in 2019. I have two children and three grandchildren who are just amazing and make me proud every day, unfortunately due to travel restrictions we haven’t been able to go to France to see our daughter and her family, but as soon as we can we will be there! My day job is in accountancy, but like most authors I dream of making writing my full time occupation one day. J.C. - We are introduced to Charlotte “Lottie” Jones who is beginning secondary school. What made you want to write a middle school/young adult fantasy series? H.S. - I loved reading as a child and writing something that my grandchildren could read that had strong characters in was important to me. Two of them are now coming up to an age where Lottie is suitable for them and I hope they enjoy reading about her. J.C. - Where did you come up with the idea to write LJATMR? H.S. - Honestly, I just sat down and started writing about my first day at secondary school, and Lottie grew from there. The first chapters are my experiences at my new school. The only difference is unlike Lottie, I am not an only child. I have a sister and unfortunately no magic necklace for me. I have always loved fantasy fiction and magic and it wasn’t long before I decided that was what was in store for Lottie. J.C. - Lottie learns about her destiny to become a High Sorceress. If you had a magical ability, what would it be and why? H.S. - Oh, that’s difficult, there are so many to choose from. The power to heal would be amazing, but wouldn’t being able to open a portal to another land just be fantastic too? The adventures would be limitless. J.C. - Who has been your biggest support system while on this writing adventure? H.S. - My husband, children and the friends who encouraged me to follow my dream. They read as I write, give me feedback and encourage me every day, I’m very lucky to have them.

J.C. - Finish the sentence. In ten years I’d like to… H.S. - Is it wrong to say “be as well known as JK Rowling” because I’d love Lottie to be a great role model. J.C. - LJATMR is your debut novel but this book is just the beginning of a fairly large series. What can you tell us about the sequels? H.S. - I can promise lots more adventures, danger, dragons as well as many other mythical creatures along the way. There will be more surprises to come and in book two one character has their world turned upside down!

J.C. - Typically, how long does it take you to write a book? H.S. - That’s difficult to answer because each book has been different, book three seems to be taking much longer as, like many others this past year or so has been such an unusual time and that has impacted on my motivation but I’m ¾’s of the way through it now, and I’m hoping to publish it this year. J.C. - Two characters perished fairy early on in this book. How hard is that for you to decide who dies off? H.S. - It is so hard to lose any character, and when it’s a close member of Lottie’s family it makes it extremely difficult. I cried as I wrote their deaths. Ultimately the characters we lose in life and in fiction shape who we become.

J.C. - Lastly, where can readers find you and your work? H.S. - My books are available on Amazon in paperback and also on ebook. I’m hoping once we get back to a bit of normality that they might be available in independent book shops too, that’s a work in progress.

Thank you for reading about H.S. Matthews and Lottie Jones and the Magical Realms. This series of books is perfect for tweens and teens that are just starting to get into fantasy. As an adult, I also enjoyed the book. When it comes to fantasy, you are never too old!