Kate O'Hearn

Kate O’Hearn was born under a wandering star. Coming from Canada, she lived and was educated all over North America. After leaving school, she was back in New York and working for several well known fashion designers.

Never satisfied with staying in one place too long, the lure of the open road took over once again and she found herself in Europe where she split her time between England and France.

With hopes of staying well away from the fashion industry, she set her sights on one of her loves, film production. But when she zigged instead of zagged and lost out on a prestigious position on a major film, she decided it was time to take stock of her life.

All throughout her life, Kate’s hobby had always been writing. Before long, that hobby changed and became what she wanted to do. But mixed in with her love of writing was the deep personal need to put voice to some of the injustices she sees from the world around her. Be it environmental issues, to human rights abuses, these all favour heavily in her writing.

Shadow of the Dragon – KIRA is the first of her books to be published by Hodder Children’s Books. It deals heavily with the rights abuses of people, especially girls, while being set in a fantasy world of Dragon Riders, Wizards and evil Kings. The second book in the series ELSPETH is to be published in May 2009.

One day, a young girl astride a twin-tailed dragon will destroy the monarchy and change the world for ever.

Kira and Elspeth have already broken FIRST LAW many times over. Now outlawed and running for their lives they are determined to stand amongst the men and fight the unjust FIRST LAW that binds the kingdom. But cruel Lord Dorcon still stands in their way and the heat of his chase is stronger than ever.

Strong and determined, Kira has done all that she can to protect and shield her younger sister. But now it’s time for Elspeth to grow up. When Paradon's muddled magic sends them travelling through time to different eras, new challenges and terrifying threats await the separated sisters. Especially to Elspeth, left all alone to navigate a past world long before the rule of King Ardon and FIRST LAW. And all the while in a strange, alien world of the future, Kira must find a way to get back to Elspeth and reunite her family once again.

A prophecy to fulfil. A cruel monarchy to upend.

The battle continues …