Children are disappearing from the city of Seddon without a trace. The city gates are locked and guarded, but still the children disappear. One night, Seeger and his friend Boyd are taken and they at last understand the mystery. The abductors are using dragons Two days later they arrive at the city of Midrash, where everything serves the military machine - including children who are forced to become soldiers. In a world in which they are daily confronted with violence and the loss of innocence, Seeger and Boyd struggle to maintain their humanity and their friendship. Their only hope of escape lies with a unique gift Seeger has discovered - but one which he must keep secret from his captors. He can speak to dragons. We recognise the invaluable role that public campaigning - and books such as this - that bring the reality of child recruitment to public attention - have in keeping this important issue in the international media and in influencing change. From the postscript on Child Soldiers by Rev Tim Costello, Chief Advocate, World Vision Australia What an innovative way to give a voice to child soldiers Yet there is a lightness here that pierces the dark.' Rosanne Hawke, author of Wolfchild, Across the Creek and The Leopard Princess Beast-Speaker is a fantasy adventure that, although confronting, also has hope, heroes and courage. Lynn Stringer, author of The Verindon Trilogy Beast-Speaker is a compelling novel that I couldn't put down after I started reading it. With a well-developed plot and characters you'll come to love, it's one of the best books I've ever read, if not the best. Kayla Daking, aged 15. Wendy Noble has an Advanced Diploma of Education, a Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing, but can't remember her own phone number. She has been a primary school teacher, a librarian in a Theological College, has sold women's fashion and has sung folk music in country pubs. Wendy and her husband live in Gawler, South Australia. You can visit Wendy on her Facebook page: @AuthorWendyNoble or on her blog: www.wendynoble.com.