Garden of the Purple Dragon

Garden of the Purple Dragon is the second book in the Dragonkeeper series, continuing the epic fantasy adventure of Ping, a former slave girl, and her charge, the baby purple dragon, Kai. Set in the Han Dynasty of ancient China, Ping struggles to fulfill her destiny as a Dragonkeeper while constantly on the run from imperial guards and a sinister necromancer. The story delves into themes of loyalty, friendship, courage, and self-discovery as Ping faces betrayal from unexpected sources and even experiences jealousy when Kai bonds with another potential dragonkeeper. Parents should be aware of some moderate violence and 'horrifyingly graphic' scenes involving the necromancer, making it suitable for late elementary readers ready for a longer, more complex fantasy narrative.

Ping is in hiding on the mountain slopes of Tai Shan, carrying out her promise to look after the baby purple dragon, Kai. But her peaceful life comes to an end when the imperial guards catch her, and take her back to Ming Yang lodge. Does she have the strength to fulfil her destiny as the Dragonkeeper - and find sanctuary for Kai?