Devious Prey

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4.7

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Author(s)

Scott Reintgen

Publisher

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Genre(s)

Age Range

14+

Release Date

March 31, 2026

ISBN

978-1665978934

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A young woman must survive the deadly mythical creature she smuggled aboard an airship after a crash landing on a deserted island frees it to begin hunting the survivors in this thrilling fantasy adventure from New York Times bestselling author Scott Reintgen.

When an airship’s windmaster dies mid-flight, the crew and its passengers are swept out to sea by a violent storm. They crash on a desolate island, but they’re not alone. A dragoness had been stashed in the hold. After escaping a damaged cage, it begins preying on the surviving travelers in the hopes of remaining free.

The stranded group’s best chance of making it home alive is the young woman who smuggled the dragoness on board in the first place—and the mysterious teen boy who was led onto the ship in chains before takeoff. Both have secrets that could help them survive on the island…but those same secrets could deliver a death sentence if they ever make it home.

Editor review

1 review

Dragons, Secrets, and Survival

March 12, 2026 (Updated: May 31, 2026)

Overall rating

4.7

Plot

5.0

Characters

4.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

I went into Devious Prey by Scott Reintgen expecting a fun fantasy adventure—but I didn’t expect such a tense, survival-filled story. This book quickly turns into a gripping mix of fantasy, mystery, and a little bit of monster horror, and I was completely pulled in.

The story begins with an airship voyage that goes terribly wrong. After a storm and a sudden death on board, the ship crashes on a remote island. But the survivors have a much bigger problem than being stranded… there’s a dragoness loose among them, and she’s hunting. The twist? One of the passengers secretly smuggled the creature aboard in the first place.

One of the things I loved most was the story's survival vibe. The group of survivors has to figure out how to stay alive on a dangerous island while also avoiding becoming the dragon’s next meal. The tension builds with every chapter because the characters are trapped with something deadly—and nowhere to run.

The characters also made the story really engaging. Pearl, the girl responsible for smuggling the dragoness, carries a lot of guilt and responsibility as everything spirals out of control. Then there’s Marken, the mysterious boy who boarded the airship in chains. Both of them have secrets that slowly unfold throughout the story, and those secrets make the stakes even higher.

I also appreciated how the book blends fantasy worldbuilding with fast-paced action. There’s magic, political tension, and hints about a larger world beyond the island, but the story never slows down for too long. The pacing keeps things intense, especially once the dragoness begins hunting the survivors.

And honestly, the dragoness might be one of the most memorable parts of the book. She’s not just a random monster—there’s intelligence and purpose behind her actions, which makes the danger feel even more chilling.

Final Thoughts: Devious Prey is a thrilling YA fantasy that mixes survival adventure with deadly magic and a terrifying dragon on the loose. If you like stories where characters are pushed to their limits, secrets slowly unravel, and danger lurks around every corner, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Overall: A tense, fast-paced fantasy survival story with a dragon that completely steals the show.

Jan Farnworth, Digital Manager/Blog Assistant and Staff Reviewer Top 50 Reviewer 367 reviews

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User reviews

1 review

Overall rating

4.7

Plot

5.0(1)

Characters

5.0(1)

Writing Style

4.0(1)

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A(0)

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Trapped with Fire and Secrets; loved it!!

April 07, 2026 (Updated: May 31, 2026)

Overall rating

4.7

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Devious Prey by Scott Reintgen is far more intense than it first appears which is what I personally loved about it! What starts as a simple fantasy setup quickly transforms into a gripping survival story filled with tension and constant danger.

The premise alone is compelling. After an airship crashes on a deserted island, the survivors realize they are not alone. A dragoness, secretly smuggled aboard, has escaped and begun hunting them. This immediately raises the stakes and creates a sense of urgency that never really lets up. The isolation of the island makes everything feel more claustrophobic, as there is nowhere to run and no easy way out.

The survival aspect is one of the strongest parts of the story. Every chapter builds suspense as the group struggles not only against the harsh environment but also against a deadly predator that is always one step ahead. The tension feels constant, making it hard to predict who will make it through.

The characters add depth to the action. Pearl, the girl responsible for bringing the dragoness onboard, carries a heavy sense of guilt that shapes her decisions. Marken, the mysterious boy who arrives in chains, brings intrigue and unpredictability. Their hidden pasts slowly unfold, adding another layer of suspense and raising the emotional stakes.

The worldbuilding is present but never overwhelming. There are hints of politics, and a larger magical world beyond the island, but the story stays focused on survival and momentum. This keeps the pacing fast and engaging.

The dragoness herself is easily one of the most memorable elements. She is not just a mindless threat. There is intelligence behind her actions, which makes her even more dangerous and unsettling. Every encounter with her feels deliberate and chilling.

Overall, this is a tense and fast-paced fantasy that blends survival and danger into a compelling read. It is especially appealing for readers who enjoy high-stakes situations and characters pushed to their limits.

Good Points

- Intense survival atmosphere with constant tension

- Complex characters with secrets that deepen the story

- A smart, terrifying dragon antagonist that stands out