Calling on Dragons

Like the previous books in the series, Ms. Wrede has created another winning story which is entertaining for the whole family, though it is the weakest story in the series because of its placement. According to the introductions to the books, this was actually the last book written in the series. The fourth was written first and intended to be a stand-alone. Later, Ms. Wrede’s publisher approached her about writing two prequels, the second of which became two volumes. "Calling on Dragons" is, therefore, the second part of a bridge book intended to connect two stories set nearly two decades apart, and you can definitely feel the stress marks from the shape this story was forced into to make the bridge work. That said, it merely looks weaker due to the company it keeps, and put alongside many other books out there, it is top tier. Definitely worth a read in its own rite and as a continuation of a great series.

The third installment in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles was no disappointment. The book starts out with Morwen living with her not one but nine cats. However when Morwen learns that the magic in the enchanted forest is disappearing and King Mendenbar's sword has been stolen she is determined to get it back. With much protesting from Mendenbar they finally decide who goes. Morwen is accompanied by the pregnant Queen Cimorene, the magician Telemain who is most liked when he doesn't open his mouth, Morwen's two cats, Kazul the King of Dragons,and Killer a rabbit who mysteriously turned in a donkey and don't get me wrong but there will be more transformations. As if their quest isn't hard enough they encounter a fire witch, mud, vines that want to eat them, and the all too familiar wizards society.(Need more lemon juice?) Can they get the sword back in time to save the Enchanted Forest and Mendenbar? A cliffhanger ending that you just can't miss!! These Chronicles are probably the best fantasy books I have ever read! I hope you enjoy them too!! Can't wait to read number 4. Too bad it is the last one!

What? Only five stars? I need more to do this series justice! Patricia C. Wrede writes marvelous fantasy. It's like "Mixed-Up Fairy Tales" or something, but funnier, more engaging, and ripe for repeat reading (After graduating from high school, I read the entire series for the third time in a matter of days). These are timeless tales. Even her NAMES are inventive. Cimorene, Mendanbar, Kazul, Morwen, Telemain, Daystar, Shiara...and let us not forget Zemenar and Antorell. The chapter headings induce chuckles immediately, simply by their existence. She writes in a style that incorporates intelligent fantasy with enjoyable humor. The characters are some you would like to know personally. And nowhere else have I seen as unique a discussion of magic in its many forms as in these four books. I did notice a trend of centralization. Dealing was Cimorene's book. Searching was Mendanbar's. Calling was Morwen's. Talking was Daystar's. I wish the series was not concluded, because I'd love to see Telemain's book. And perhaps Kazul's book could be somewhat of a prequel. Oh, and what about a book from Antorell's perspective? That would make for an incredibly funny story. The Enchanted Forest and its surrounding is a world I want to know about. Not many authors can create an entire world that entices the reader so greatly. But Mrs. Wrede has. Unlike the Douglas Adams' Hitchiker's Guide series, which got progressively worse, each book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles compares to the original, as fresh and brilliant as ever. Needless to say, this series is one of the best ever. I have not really sampled a lot of the adult fantasy by Piers Anthony and Anne McCaffrey and such, but I doubt they can compare with the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. This is not mindboggling fantasy like the Lord of the Rings trilogy: this is fun. Oh, and remember: ..."Argelfraster."

This is easily the best book of the series. I loved the entire series but this was REALLY good. I loved how all the cats have their own opions. It is amazingly good. For ur sake, READ IT!!!!! U will not regret it. Thanks, Morwen.P.S. Argelfraster. U'll have to read the book to know what that means. It is SO great! READ THE BOOK! that is not an option; that is a command for ur own good.

This is possibly the best book in the series, using all the lovable characters, except the dragons were not represented as much as I'd like them to be. One of the things that makes this book so special is that it is written from a third-person perspective that follows Morwen, giving you a look into the hilarious personalities and prejudices of her nine cats. Although the synopsis may make the plot appear cheesy, it's perfectly logical for the series. And I do so love that logical magic that Telemain so eloquently describes, making you feel as if that, if you had the right tools, you could create your own spell. It seems to share this trait with Star Wars, where everything, no matter how outlandish, has a purpose, reason, and beliveable definition of how it works.I know I'm just agreeing with all the other reviewers on this page, but what does it do but boost the support? I must agree with various reviewers on this page, Telemain and Fiddlesticks are my favorite characters, and a book that follows Telemain would be wonderful, but I'm not asking for some disapointing late sequel. His wild "technospeak" is beautifully confusing to some, yet fascinatingly descriptive to those with the bravery to decipher it alone. I must agree with the other fans here, these books are reassuringly always rereadable. You know something, I could go on and on for pages about these books, but I think I better stop here and finish my homework.

What? Only five stars?!? I need more to do this series justice! Patricia C. Wrede writes marvelous fantasy. It's like "Mixed-Up Fairy Tales" or something, but funnier, more engaging, and ripe for repeat reading (I just graduated from high school, and I just finished reading the entire series for the third time in a matter of days). These are timeless tales. Even her NAMES are inventive. Cimorene, Mendanbar, Kazul, Morwen, Telemain, Daystar, Shiara...and let us not forget Zemenar and Antorell. The chapter headings induce chuckles immediately, simply by their existence. She writes in a style that incorporates intelligent fantasy with enjoyable humor. The characters are some you would like to know personally. And nowhere else have I seen as unique a discussion of magic in its many forms as in these four books. I did notice a trend of centralization. Dealing was Cimorene's book. Searching was Mendanbar's. Calling was Morwen's. Talking was Daystar's. I wish the series was not concluded, because I'd love to see Telemain's book. And perhaps Kazul's book could be somewhat of a prequel. Oh, and what about a book from Antorell's perspective? That would make for an incredibly funny story. The Enchanted Forest and its surrounding is a world I want to know about. Not many authors can create an entire world that entices the reader so greatly. But Mrs. Wrede has. Unlike the Douglas Adams' Hitchiker's Guide series, which got progressively worse, each book in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles compares to the original, as fresh and brilliant as ever. Needless to say, this series is one of the best ever. I have not really sampled a lot of the adult fantasy by Piers Anthony and Anne McCaffrey and such, but I doubt they can compare with the Enchanted Forest Chronicles. This is not mindboggling fantasy like the Lord of the Rings trilogy: this is fun. Oh, and remember: ..."Argelfraster."