An eleven-year-old Latino boy wins a district-wide writing contest for sixth graders. When an author visits his school to award his prize, Diego Ramirez has no idea how much his life is about to change. Nathan Sullivan hands Diego his statue, a handsome, glistening black dragon. He shakes his hand and leaves him to his friends. The students crowd around Diego, asking for permission to hold it. After hearing the name Magnifico spoken aloud by family and friends, Diego awards it to his new dragon. If he only knew how fitting the name was, he might have known what lay ahead. Magnifico is the leader of the Sol Dragones, dragons that live within the magical fires of the sun. Nathan Sullivan is the earth's connection to the mysterious creatures. It is his task to find Magnifico's guide. As Magnifico comes to life he becomes quite mischievous, playing tricks on Diego to embarrass him. As he discovers his bloodline, however, Diego assumes greater control over his dragon and his destiny. In the climactic journey, he frees his people and suffers a terrible loss by guiding Magnifico to their goal.

Gerard, Kevin

An Evil Spirit, Haunted Weapons, and a Race to Save Diego's Ancestors. Spanish conquistadors struggle against Poseidon's oceans on their way to the Americas. The captain of the armada seeks gold for his queen, conversion for his church, and a release from an unholy alliance with a dark lord. The spirit travels within the confines of the Asesino de mar, the great galleon given to the captain with his commission. During the long months at sea it stokes a seething hatred for Diego and Magnifico, while patiently preparing its revenge. When the attack against the Mexica people begins in the year 1519, a shocking spell reaches through the centuries, affecting every one of their descendants. Diego, Racquel, and the Sol Dragones race back through time, hoping to stop the conquistadors before they begin their conquest. The battle at Tenochtitlan throws Magnifico's forces against the conquerors of the New World. The weapons of the Spanish fleet, skillfully altered by the Dark Lord, threaten the mighty dragons of the sun in a ferocious struggle to save Diego's people.