X-Book

Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm

Already purchased

Click to open directly in the xigxag app.

Standard price shown. Sign in for personalised pricing.

Send as a gift Get in the xigxag app

Added to cart

Continue shopping or head to checkout

View cart

Listen to a sample

What to expect

In a village above the cloud sea, 11-year-old orphan Zhi Ging's only chance of survival is to become a Silhouette, an apprentice to the immortals.

When she is unexpectedly chosen as the Second Silhouette following a strange dragon attack, she finds herself in an underwater realm, learning new skills and competing in thrilling challenges. But rumours are spreading of a growing dark force, and Silhouettes seem to be disappearing. Zhi Ging begins to realise that there is so much she has yet to learn about the world of the immortals - and herself.

Will Zhi Ging be the one to save her world from the greatest evil it's ever known?

The unmissable first novel in the must-read magical fantasy series of 2024. Join Zhi Ging on an incredible adventure to an underwater realm, a floating market and a jade mountain as she journeys to fulfil her extraordinary destiny . . .

Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm is perfect for 9+ readers of Nevermoor, Dragon Mountain and Amari and the Night Brothers.

Critics Review

A soaring, luminous new world ... An absolute delight!
Jessica Townsend, bestselling author of Nevermoor series
A thrillingly immersive story of courage, self-discovery, and magic - as intricate as a glass dragon
Sinead O'Hart, author of The Silver Road
An enthralling story set in a world of dragons, cloud seas, jellyfish companions and so much more. An absolute feast for the senses!
Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant
A gorgeous read from start to finish
Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha and the Spirit Bird
A book full of magical delight!
Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths
A new classic fantasy adventure!
Eoin Colfer, internationally bestselling author
An incredibly original and immersive fantasy adventure. I cannot wait to read more!
L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency
A hidden underwater realm, a looming evil in the world beyond and, of course, dragons! I have no doubt readers are going to fall in love with this magical new world
J.J. Arcanjo, author of the Crookhaven series
Inspired by Chinese myths, this magical world is perfect for readers who love fantasy.
The Times
Author Siobhan McDermott, illustrated by Yuzhen Cai
Narrator Phyllis Ho
Duration 8 hours and 30 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781444970159
Format x-book®
Publisher Hachette Children's Group
Genre Children’s / Teenage fiction: Magical realism, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Ancient religions, Mythology and legends
Availability AU, GB, IE

About xigxag and the x-book®

Discover the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed to simplify finding, purchasing, and enjoying your favourite books in audio format. Our flexible pricing model makes bestselling audiobooks affordable, offering the best audiobook deals without the need for a subscription. You can also give the perfect gift with our convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

A core differentiator of xigxag is our groundbreaking listen-and-read x-book® technology, which delivers a truly immersive digital book experience. This unique innovation seamlessly combines the audiobook, text, and images into a brilliant, integrated format, complete with exclusive audiobook features and a next-generation digital reading experience. Our growing x-book selection is easily discoverable by looking for the distinctive purple x-book® ribbon, or by simply filtering your search by ‘x-book’.

Beyond our technology, xigxag is committed to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we stand as a leader in audiobook innovation and a compelling alternative to big tech. Our commitment extends to delivering extraordinary customer service, provided by our friendly UK support team.

Effortlessly search audiobooks, gain insights from honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. You can download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere, guaranteeing the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.