All The Write Stuff: Dragons, Mermaids, Elves… and Kitsune?

What if the key to saving the world lies in the one creature everyone learned to fear?

Dragons, Mermaids, Elves… and Kitsune?

Keeper of Dragons: Aprella Academy Book 1

by J.A. Culican

Genre: YA Fantasy, Ranobe

What if the key to saving the world lies in the one creature everyone learned to fear?

Rhyden was supposed to stay hidden in Ochana, the floating realm of dragons—isolated ever since Prince Jago’s mysterious death. But with an unshakable sense of duty, he defies his people’s decree and enrolls at Aprella Academy, a legendary school where mermaids, elves, fairies, and kitsune shape the world’s magic.

Arriving as the first dragon on campus in a century, Rhyden becomes an instant sensation—and not everyone is thrilled about it. Whispers circulate that the wards protecting the academy are failing. A priceless artifact has been stolen, dark forces lurk in hidden corridors, and rumors blame the sudden “dragon presence” for the danger creeping past the gates.

Teaming up with a ragtag circle of new friends—Kairo the mermaid warrior torn between land and sea, Fenrick the kitsune trickster hiding unexpected insecurities, Talyssa the elf struggling to atone for her people’s past, and Lirien the quiet fairy sensing a looming evil—Rhyden races to unmask the culprit. Yet ominous illusions and shocking betrayals await at every turn, threatening to shatter the fragile trust he’s begun to build.

When Rhyden’s draconic power finally awakens, it’s as explosive as the secrets that forced dragons into hiding long ago. Determined to reclaim the dragon legacy and protect a world that once shunned his kind, he soon learns that defeating hidden enemies may require forging alliances beyond imagination—and confronting a darkness older than the academy itself.

Dive into a ranobe-inspired tale of epic magic, unlikely friendships, and one dragon shifter trying to light the path forward in a realm built on shadows. Will Rhyden spark a new era for dragons—or remind the world why they vanished in the first place?

Perfect for fans of magical academies, secret conspiracies, and unstoppable teamwork, Keeper of Dragons: Aprella Academy is your next addictive fantasy read.

EXCERPT

Flames crackled around my hands as I let the fire within surge free. My skin prickled—scales rippling in a rush of raw power—and I felt wings tear from my back. Even the masked intruder froze for a heartbeat.
“Dragons vanished for a reason,” the figure hissed, voice warped by dark magic.
I exhaled, heat fueling every breath. “Not anymore.”

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Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DYSKSL6F

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/dragons-mermaids-elves-and-kitsune/id6742664856

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragons-mermaids-elves-and-kitsune-ja-culican/1147069352?ean=2940181429789

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dragons-mermaids-elves-and-kitsune

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1718625

Books2Read: https://books2read.com/KODAprella1

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/dragons-mermaids-elves-and-kitsune-keeper-of-dragons-aprella-academy-book-1-by-j-a-culican

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228536302-dragons-mermaids-elves-and-kitsune

About the Author

J.A. Culican is a USA Today Bestselling author of the middle grade fantasy series Keeper of Dragons. Her first novel in the fictional series catapulted a trajectory of titles and awards, including top selling author on the USA Today bestsellers list and Amazon, and a rightfully earned spot as an international best seller. Additional accolades include Best Fantasy Book of 2016, Runner-up in Reality Bites Book Awards, and 1st place for Best Coming of Age Book from the Indie book Awards.

J.A. Culican holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Niagara University, in which she has been teaching special education for over 13 years. She is also the president of the autism awareness non-profit Puzzle Peace United. J.A. Culican resides in Southern New Jersey with her husband and four young children.

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