In a city choking on smog and secrets, one boy finds hope in a creature thought lost to legend. 1940s London is no place for a quiet, odd boy like Henry Portwhistle. Orphaned, bullied, and living under the iron rule of a cold-hearted matron, Henry survives by staying silent and unseen. But when he discovers a strange, warm egg on the banks of the Thames, his world begins to change. From that egg hatches Crimson —a dragon of myth and memory, a creature who speaks not in words but in feelings, and who understands Henry in a way no human ever has. Together, they flee the city under cover of fog, soaring north through war-torn England in search of freedom, safety, and belonging. But the world is watching. Whispers of a dragon reach Westminster, and soon, powerful eyes turn toward the skies. With war looming and loyalty tested, Henry must decide who he is willing to trust—and how far he will go to protect the only family he has left. A story of courage, friendship, and quiet resilience, Crimson Wings is perfect for readers who love historical adventure with a touch of magic. ✔ Ideal for ages 10+ ✔ Includes themes of autism, loss, and chosen family ✔ A fresh take on dragons for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Skellig "Multilayered and magnificent... an underdog story about unexpected heroes." — Andrea Marks-Joseph, Independent Book Review "The descriptions are so gorgeous that I'm growing even more desperate for the graphic novel adaptation." — Independent Book Review "This is a hopeful book about choosing kindness even when defying your role... A precious, powerful journey worth sharing." — Independent Book Review B.T. Skylark is a queer, neurodivergent writer based on the south coast of England. Blending history, heart, and imagination, his work explores what it means to be different in a world that demands conformity. His debut novel, Crimson Wings - The Boy Who Flew , reimagines wartime Britain through the eyes of a boy who doesn't quite fit in—until a dragon chooses him. Skylark writes stories for outsiders, dreamers, and anyone who's ever felt like they didn't belong.