WaterBrook Press
339 Pages
Copyright 2004
From the back of the book:
One dragon egg holds the key to the future.
Once a slave, Kale is given the unexpected opportunity to become a servant to Paladin. Yet this young girl has much to learn about the difference between slavery and service.
A desperate search begins...
A small band of Paladin’s servants rescue Kale from danger but turn her from her destination: The Hall, where she was to be trained. Feeling afraid and unprepared, Kale embarks on a perilous quest to find the meech dragon egg stolen by the foul Wizard Risto. First, she and her comrades must find Wizard Fenworth. But their journey is threatened when a key member of the party is captured, leaving the remaining companions to find Fenworth, attempt an impossible rescue, and recover the egg whose true value they have not begin to suspect...
Kale is a young girl who has a way with dragons. Actually, dragon eggs have a way with her – she finds herself drawn to them by a compulsion she cannot ignore. After her rescue, she discovers that she is already well-known and famous, something that is difficult for her to comprehend. While rescuing their captured companion, two dragon eggs hatch, giving Kale two small minor dragons to care for – Gymn, a green dragon with healing powers, and Metta, a purple singing dragon who can sooth or mesmerize the people around her. Before long, Kale finds herself facing Wizard Risto in a battle that will have long-lasting consequences for all the beings of Amara.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a story like this one. I’d say the closest to it would be Eragon by Christopher Paolini. I wouldn’t, however, put the two books in the same group – Dragonspell is for young readers (grades 4 – 8). While I enjoyed the tale, I found it missing in some background details that I would’ve liked to have. It is also a Christian allegory, which didn’t make a difference to me but it might to some. I did like the two minor dragons, especially Gymn who has a habit of fainting when things frighten him, yet can be very brave when he has to be.
Recommendation: It’s an easy, enjoyable read. If you like questing adventures, this one is worth a look.
4 comments:
This sounds like an interesting read. What is the Christian allegory?
Melanie -
Well, I'm not sure what the literal definition would be, but for me it's a story that has strong Christian themes wrapped up in a different package. The most famous these days would be The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, which can be said to go a step further and becomes a crucifixion tale.
cjh
the religious stuff is what has kept me from reading these books. I don't like thing shoved down my throat in the guise of a good book. If I want to read religion I will read the bible... I realize many books do this but when a book is even marketed this way I tend to stay away from them.. it's not that I am against religion .. I just don't like it tossed into other things like that
DesLily -
It was almost too heavy-handed for me, too. I'm not sure I'll read the others.
cjh
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