Game More, Pay Less
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Millions of titles. Learn more
Read now
OR
£3.09

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon Media EU S.à r.l..
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will pre-order your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships and Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer – no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

H. L. Burke
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Cora and the Nurse Dragon Kindle Edition

by H. L. Burke (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 592 ratings
When dragons are factory-farmed, one gutsy girl is willing to take on a ruthless corporation to save the creatures she loves.

Twelve-year-old Cora's life obsession is dragons. In her world, dragon eggs are sold like common trading cards by the Dragon Emporium—a ruthless company that holds the monopoly on the creatures. Despite always getting short-lived mayflies dragons, her love for them compels her to purchase egg packs in the hopes of hatching a new, rare pet.

Her luck takes a drastic turn when she finds an egg that hatches a dragon Cora has never seen before—a special one with the ability to influence other eggs. With her dragon and her best friend by her side, she takes on the Dragon Emporium and the Dragon Regulatory Agency.

However, even with their help, Cora may be in over her head.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    8 - 18 years
  2. Print length
    215 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 12
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    31 Jan. 2016
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01ACV79BO
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 31 Jan. 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 580 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 215 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 12
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 18 years
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 592 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
H. L. Burke

H. L. Burke

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a retired US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

She is the author of The Supervillain Rehabilitation Project Superhero Universe, the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy "Cora and the Nurse Dragon," among others.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
592 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging, with one mentioning it's about Cora. They describe it as a delightful read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

5 customers mention ‘Story quality’5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of Cora and the nurse dragon, with one customer particularly appreciating the plot.

"A really entertaining read...." Read more

"...a lovely story the flows smoothly and is easy to read, with a good plot and characters, I am sure kids of all ages will enjoy reading this." Read more

"What a great story, in the tradition of dragon keeping. Some unique features and plucky young characters make this a tale to remember...." Read more

"Really liked the story theme and would like to see more of the same. Will tracker the author to see when other stories come online." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Enjoyment’3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book delightful, with one mentioning that their daughter loves it.

"A delightful read even for someone way older than the age group for whom this book is intended. THe dragon was adorable...." Read more

"One of the best books I have ever read definitely a good book for people who like adventurers and action" Read more

"Daughter loves this book (9) totally recommend!" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Mrs O.
    5.0 out of 5 stars She discovers just what terrible industry dragon breeding is but her desire to rescue ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 September 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A really entertaining read. Set in America in the 1930's I imagine, Cora lives in a time where dragons are only bred in captivity in a highly regulated industry for the purpose of dragon racing. Cora's one desire is to race dragons but when an egg she rescues turns into a rare, believed extinct, nurse dragon things change rapidly for Cora and her friend Abry. She discovers just what terrible industry dragon breeding is but her desire to rescue her nurse dragon and the dragons he 'produces' leads into danger before she is able to find a safe haven for them all.
    Recommended.
    Helpful
     Report
  • G. O. Jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars H.L.Burke has written a lovely story the flows smoothly and is easy to read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 May 2016
    Verified Purchase
    OK I am not a kid but I loved this story about Cora, her friend and the nasty little rich boy who lives next door. Cora wants to be a dragon jockey and often buys dragon eggs hoping she can hatch something special, sadly all the eggs she gets from the shop turn into mayflies until one day she finds an egg which she takes home to hatch.
    H.L.Burke has written a lovely story the flows smoothly and is easy to read, with a good plot and characters, I am sure kids of all ages will enjoy reading this.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Miss R G Moss
    4.0 out of 5 stars THe dragon was adorable. I found the ending rather rushed
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A delightful read even for someone way older than the age group for whom this book is intended. THe dragon was adorable. I found the ending rather rushed, but otherwise most enjoyable
    Helpful
     Report
  • Clare O'Beara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cora and the nurse dragon
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 December 2018
    Verified Purchase
    What a great story, in the tradition of dragon keeping. Some unique features and plucky young characters make this a tale to remember. I would recommend Cora to anyone from ten to adult.
    The writing is extremely good and we are given much food for thought.

    This is an unbiased review.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Diana B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 October 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Really liked the story theme and would like to see more of the same. Will tracker the author to see when other stories come online.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's amazing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 August 2017
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best books I have ever read definitely a good book for people who like adventurers and action
    Helpful
     Report
  • SJG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 November 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Daughter loves this book (9) totally recommend!
    Helpful
     Report
  • GR
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    lovely story, really touching :)
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Anna C. Nate
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful adventure for the young at heart
    Reviewed in the United States on 7 March 2016
    Verified Purchase
    7 March 2016
    I've never written a review on Amazon before. I enjoyed this book so much that I just HAD to overcome my electronics phobia and try to tell others about this wonderful story. I'm several years past 50 (though young at heart), and I keep a lifetime top 10 favorite books list. This book easily made the list - which means it had to bump another long time favorite off the list.

    This story is an adventure that both entertains and teaches good life lessons without being preachy or stalling the story flow. The author has a delightful and original presentation on how dragons work in her world. Her main character loves dragons and delights in hatching the eggs to see what comes out. I relate -- for I love animals, enjoy studying genetics, and thrill to see what colors my hamsters produce with each litter I breed for the local pet stores.

    H.L. Burke does a good job of entering the skin of her main character and seeing life from their point of view. She also did this well in Thaddeus Whiskers and the Dragon, which I read right after I read Cora and the Nurse Dragon. After I read Thaddeus, I re-read Cora and enjoyed it as much during the second reading. I've encouraged my friends to read it, and even bought a print copy so I could loan it to some who wanted to read it but didn't have spare money to get a copy. (I figure, the more who read it, the better we can spread the good news about this delightful book.)

    I don't want to spoil the plot for you, but if you are young at heart, if you like animals, and if you've always wanted a pet dragon of your own, I think you won't regret spending time in this story world with Cora and her nurse dragon, Cricket.

    29 September 2019
    I'm a little more comfortable with computers and reviewing and such now than I was when I first wrote this review. I wanted to add, after reading it several times, I have a caution to add. There are a couple of scary things that happen that might make the book not suitable for some sensitive children.

    The government gets involved in investigating the kids dragon breeding business. The bad guys kidnap the children. And then, the bad guys shot one of their dads (off camera) who was getting involved with shady characters and illegal activities. I won't ruin the story for you. The author handles it well in the end. But this might be too much for a sensitive child. It comes as quite a shock because the story seems innocent up till that point. You need to know your child and what they are comfortable with.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a cute book!
    Reviewed in Australia on 29 September 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Loved the dragons! Clever idea and fun to read. I also enjoyed the way relationships between parents and children were restored
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on 29 July 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed tis book. I believe it is a wonderful book for young people.
    Report
  • J.L. Low
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read for children and adults alike!
    Reviewed in the United States on 11 August 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I got this book on a whim when it was available for free on Amazon. I was glad I did.

    Cora and the Nurse Dragon tells the tale of a girl who loves dragons. She had always wanted to be a jockey, racing dragons. Her father, however, was dead set against the notion because he thinks it's cruel to keep dragons caged up. So instead, she keeps tons of cheap, common mayfly dragons and does "trials" to determine how to best prolong their lifespan (suggested to be at an average of 6 weeks).

    The following review will be written specifically for parents looking for a good book for their young children but don't have time to actually go through the entire book themselves. Expect some spoilers.

    First, let's address the good bits. I love the themes addressed in this story. The biggest focus of the story, is without doubt about animal rights. Cora loves dragons and she loves watching them race, and she naturally thought her dream was to be a jockey no matter how many times her father tells her it's a cruel thing to do. Through the course of the story, she comes to understand about animal cruelty and, finally realising that it is abhorrent to keep such majestic creatures caged, works hard to set them free instead.

    Then we have the whole parent-child dynamic going on. We explore 3 families in this book - a rich family (Mr Algernon and his spoilt son, Xavier), an average family (Abry and her revenant father and lawyer mother) and a poor family (Cora and her father). Mr Algernon doesn't have time for his son and buys him anything and everything he wants so that his son won't bother him. In turn, Xavier, kicks up all sorts of trouble to get his father's love and attention and takes on the role of the neighbourhood bully. Abry's father preaches about doing good while her mother teaches her about business and the likes, and Abry follows their teachings to a fault. I love how Abry shows maturity beyond her age thanks to her upbringing and endless reading. And I love how Burke used Abry to highlight the importance of proper documentations, no matter how tedious, in her story. Cory, on the other hand, comes from a poor family, but the love between father and daughter is just as strong as Abry and her parents. I love how Cora's father constantly protests against keeping dragons in cages but allows his daughter the freedom to keep mayfly dragons as pets - provided that they are well looked after.

    As an adult reader, though, I find fault with several aspects of the story. First off, about finance. Cora's family was repeated painted to be in the lower average income group - rich enough to not go hungry, not enough to afford Christmas surprises. However, she somehow has the money to buy and feed cages of mayfly dragons for experiment. Think about keeping a constant flow fifty or so mice who lasts several months at most. As a kid's book, my concern would be how this affects a kid's mentality. Will a kid from a poor family become petulant and demand a pet because Cora was poor but could still afford multiple pets? Also, I disagreed with Cora's attitude towards the mayfly dragons in general. Because they had short lifespans, she forced herself not to form any emotional attachments with them. Which is true. Except in that case, it annoys me because it gives the impression that animals that are common and live short lives do not deserve as much love and attention as the rarer ones. NOT TRUE.

    Plus, words cannot express how frustrated I am at the author's very, very unsuccessful attempt at suspense. Look, it only works if you don't know the name of the book before starting. I mean, look at the flipping title! We know from the start that it's a book about dragons and that Cora's dragon is a nurse dragon! Was that whole "suspense" about the racing animals even necessary? And that stretched out research to find out Cora's dragon's breed? Come on. You're not fooling a five-year-old.

    Next, the world was not really built well upon. Apart from the fact that it's set in an alternate universe with dragons, we really don't know anything about their world. It's like, it could almost have been a book about horses. Except of course, there were elements in the story that required the animal to conform to certain rules for it to work. Also, till the end, we do not know how a supposedly extinct dragon came back into existence. It's all written down as being a miracle.

    I also hated how education was handled. Cora hates school and wants nothing more than to drop out. Her father, though, forces her to at least graduate as he believes she is too young to be making decisions like dropping out of school. This is very true, but the way the story handled it, it's like Cora's father was wrong and she was right and he should have allowed her to leave school early. Thankfully, Burke did take care to highlight that Cora completed school and we have Abry, the bookworm to demonstrate the grand things that an educated person can do versus someone who is not - same dream, same goal, different outcomes because one's knowledge allowed you to pull off feats you otherwise wouldn't have known to do.

    Lastly, I do believe that the bit of violence at the end was completely unnecessary and it could have been removed without affecting the plot at all. To be honest, it felt like it had been added merely for the shock factor. For parents wanting to know, there was a gun shot and someone died. Nothing gory or explicit. Just a simple line describing the sound of gunshot, followed by a brief allusion to the fact that someone died. It's up to you to decide if your child is old enough to handle a death - an a terribly unnecessary one, at that - in his/her storybooks.

    I've complaint so much, but I hope no one mistakes it as me disliking this book. No. Overall, I think it's a very well thought out book. Minus the violence bit.

    Ultimately, this book is a great book addressing animal love and familial love. It also tells you that sometimes, you have to learn how to go. It also has a happy - or some may say bittersweet - ending.
    Report
  • Jacqueline
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on 18 January 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Great story. Original that made me wish there was a sequel.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report