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As the Dragon Keeper of Paladin, Kale finds herself
summoned from her studies at the Hall to the Bogs of Wizard Fenworth.
Adventure such as she could never have dreamed awaits her with questions
rising like midst from the swamps. Regidor, the newly hatched meech
dragon she protected as an egg, is growing by leaps and bounds no one
anticipated and has incredible intelligence to match. Keeping up with
him should be enough for one dragon keeper, but having Bardon, another
knight-in-training, watching over her shoulder to report back to the
Hall adds even more stress. When news reaches the group that Wizard
Risto seized and hatched another meech all fear his evil power will rise
to even more destructive levels. With a small band of what seems to be
misfits, Kale heads out to rescue this new dragon and thwart the evil
wizard’s plans. What she finds along the way will require strength,
courage and a lot of faith to overcome.
“Dragonquest” is the second book in Donita K.
Paul’s Dragon Keeper Chronicles and lives up to the first book’s (Dragonspell)
appeal for all ages. Lively characters we fell in love with are back
including Leetu Bends, Lee Ark, Dar, Wizard Fenworth and all the
dragons. They are joined by some new faces you’ll love and hate. These
characters drive the story as much as the plot. Each has it’s own
distinct voice and adds complexity to the book with their differing
backgrounds and gifts. Mrs. Paul manages to weave a story which will
grip both young and old alike.
Battling evil wizards and their protégés shows
great strengths in each of the personalities you’ll meet. It also
brings forth weaknesses they are forced to face and conquer only with
the help of their faith in Wulder and His Son, Paladin, the Christ-like
figure. Spiritual aspects of the story are gracefully woven throughout
pulling the thread of faith tightly from beginning to end. Positive
character traits which will teach children how to make good decisions
give a moral fiber to the story.
There is nothing objectionable in this book and I
would recommend it for children as young as age 8 who are already good
readers. Adults will enjoy this book as well due to the complexity in
the characters.
I highly recommend “Dragonquest” as a good read and
look forward to the next two books in the series by Donita Paul.
Reviewed by Allison Wilson
for The Road to Romance
October 10, 2006
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