Official Synopsis:
A New Quest Begins in the sequel to DragonSpell
A dragonkeeper of Paladin, Kale is summoned from the Hall to The Bogs by the Wizard Fenworth to serve as his apprentice and tend his newly hatched meech dragon, Regidor. But Kale isn’t going alone. The Hall is sending a student to monitor her performance and report back to the scholars. Worst of all, it’s Bardon– an older boy Kale finds irritating, but who at least can hold his own in a sword fight.
New Friendships Are Forged
Meanwhile, the Wizard Risto has seized another meech dragon, bringing him dangerously close to gaining the power he seeks. So with only a motley band of companions, Kale sets out on a desperate quest to rescue the second meech, to free those dragons already enslaved, and to thwart Risto’s devious plans. It’s up to Kale to lead the search and to embrace the role that’s rightfully hers. But will her efforts be enough to save the land of Amara from the dark future that awaits at Risto’s hands?
Book details:
Author: Paul, Donita K.
Date Published: Jun 7, 2005
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
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You, little Dragon Keeper, are important in Wulder’s plan. I would give you wisdom if it were like a gem to be plucked from one of my crowns. But I can only whisper caution. I can only say, ‘Be still when dark clouds threaten. Listen for the word of Wulder.’
~~~~~~~
Review:
Fifteen-year-old Kale is once again off on another adventure; with new, old, big, and small companions. Emotionally spent by the hope of something she’s always longed for, Kale is in desperate want of the clear truth. Although she wishes she would be told what to do in advance, Kale’s reminded to let Wulder handle the unknown and seemingly impossible. Her job? To simply do the good that she can on her own path.
Donita K. Paul delivers a well-written continuation of the DragonKeeper Chronicles with DragonQuest. Kale, not much older than she was in the first book, still has many unanswered questions about the world and who she is. And while some questions are answered, those answers usually give way to more questions. Donita does a wonderful job slowly opening up the world in a logical and meaningful progression. As Kale learns, so do we.
I appreciate that Kale is not always at the center of the action. There are clearly events happening in the background with both familiar and new characters. Kale may be aware of them at the time, or find out after the fact. But no event spoken of in the story is without reason. Foreshadowing is done well, sometimes noticeable, but you don’t often fully realize it until the event comes. Some of the events of foreshadowing are not a part of the book, but hint at what’s to come in the series. A quote from the character Librettowit is a great example, “In the near future, there will be a great conflict between good and evil. At that time, Paladin will call for ones such as yourself to join the fight. You are of strong body. Prepare your heart to be strong as well. . . . A war that has been secretly waged will erupt for all to see. You must make your choice. Stand and fight, or do nothing. Choose the higher plane, or dwell on the lower forever.” While there is conflict and battle in this story, it does not reach a full conclusion. The war, unknown by much of Amara, goes on.
We also see more character growth! The individual personalities and motivations feel a bit more “alive” in this book. Considering the number of characters introduced in the first book, it’s understandable it took time. Even if some individuals appear only briefly, their presence is important. Although some may argue that some personality and character changes are quick, the reader must keep in mind that this book is written only from Kale’s perspective. We do not see or know beyond what Kale does, who would be considered an “unreliable narrator”.
All-in-all? I enjoyed this book more than the first. There’s a greater expression of character personalities, mindsets, and motivations, both of good and evil. And Godly wisdom is sprinkled generously throughout the story and series.
Places to purchase:
WaterBrook & Multnomah (publisher) – paperback and Ebook
Thriftbooks.com – used, various formats – may not be available
Amazon.com – new, used, Kindle, & audiobook
Barnes&Noble – New: Paperback, eBook, audiobook, MP3, & CD
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