DragonQuest

"Dragonquest" makes good use of the world, characters, and momentum of "Dragonspell," improving upon many things and running with the storyline. New and creative enemies, locations, and allies expand the already impressive world, giving it depth and making it feel alive. Conversely, individual characters suffer many of the same problems as before. Most fit neatly into fantasy race and gender stereotypes with only the main characters breaking the mold. Paladin, one of the most important yet rarely seen characters, is fleshed out nicely, but this introduces inconsistencies in the book’s allegory. Is he a god-man (similar to Jesus in our world) or simply a man? I’m not sure the book knows the answer to this question. The writing style and mechanics of the novel are once again nearly flawless. The plot is much tighter and focused than the first which improves pacing and quality of the story as a whole. Largely consistent and logical across its length, there is one glaring contradiction. Kale faces a dilemma which I found to be incredibly obvious, even before all the information had been presented (this is super cryptic to avoid spoilers). The solution is played as a major twist, but because it is so obvious, the reveal falls flat. Critiques aside, one thing Ms. Paul did very well was the relationship between Kale and Bardon. It is obvious from the first page they share that they will be love interests, but though the conclusion is all but guaranteed, the situation which brought them together and their gradual transition from irritation and dislike to respect and friendship is one of the best I’ve seen in writing in quite some time. In conclusion, "Dragonquest" is an interesting tale with a creative world, exciting plot, and interesting character arcs and is worth reading for children and adults alike.

Kale and her friends return in this mesmerizing sequel to DragonSpell. Two weeks into her training at the Hall, Kale, a dragonkeeper for Paladin, is summoned to help the aging Wizard Fenworth with the meech dragon she quickened. Two minor dragons and a furry young street urchin are already under her care, but there's also an irksome someone to report on her and train her to defend herself - Bardon, a structured older boy called the Snitch behind his back. Facing danger even to get to Fenworth's, the group soon finds that their journey is only beginning. The evil Wizard Risto has seized another meech to further his plans of taking over Amara. As they travel to free dragons already enslaved by Risto's influence, the mystery surrounding the mother Kale never knew begins to be hampered by more questions. Rich in adventure, deep in insight, and filled with the intriguing creative touches that fantasy readers love, this book is a must-read for all ages. Seven high races and seven evil races people Amara, portrayed in detail and kept distinct. Multi-dimensional characters become friends you wish you could meet. Dragons permeate the story like a flock of tropical birds, with vivid coloring and varied personalities. The author also adds mind-speaking abilities, wizardry, gateways to travel long distances instantly, and a cloak with pockets that don't bulge, but these elements are only frosting to deeper issues like trust and discipline. A twisting and suspenseful plot finishes the novel on a high note but leaves room for sequels to come. The Dragonkeeper Chronicles are books sure to captivate every lover of fantasy. - Katie Hart, Christian Book Previews.com

If you liked DragonSpell you'll love DragonQuest. I have read DragonSpell a few times and like it very much, so when I heard about DragonQuest, its sequel, I decided to get it. It took me only a few hours to read. I couldn't put it down. Now I've read both books many times over and eagerly await the next in the series. All the characters are well developed, and their personalities shine. The people in it like Toopka and Wizard Fenworth make the story very funny, but others like Leetu Bends put a serious touch to it. It is a perfect mixture of humor and suspense in these stories making them very enjoyable.

Wow, and I thought that DragonSpell couldn't get better. I was so wrong. DragonQuest was awesome!!! Kale and others (including the hilarious Wizard Fenworth, a personal favorite of mine) go questing again - this time to find another Meech Dragon and keep Wizard Risko from being his evil self again. I loved the new characters, and I thought that it was cool how far Kale has come since the frightened girl we met in the first pages of DragonSpell. I was (again) fascinated with the painting that "came to pass," or whatever, and I will certainly be keeping my eyes out for more such paintings in the next books. Speeking of the next books, I certainly hope they come out soon, I can't wait to find out more!

In Paul's first book in this series, "DragonSpell," the world was well developed but some of the character development seemed to be lacking; seeing the events through only Kale's perspective seemed to almost be a hinderance instead of a help--it almost limited the understanding of the characters to only her (and perhaps Dar, who was actually quite well-developed in the first one). But in "DragonQuest," though the perspective is still strictly Kale's, the character development is indeed excellent. Bardon and Toopka, the two new additions to the Dragonkeeper cast, are extremely well defined. Without them, the story wouldn't be nearly so good, and when Lyll is added, it solves a bit of mystery surrounding Kale that I and perhaps some others expected to see solved in the first book. It this book, Paul pulls it out beautifully, all the while bringing out another mystery, this one having to do with Bardon. In short, the plot is very similar to "DragonSpell," but the addition of new characters is what makes it unique. I almost expect a little romance between Kale and Bardon in the coming books--Donita Paul HAS written several romance works and I don't think she'd pass up the opportunity. I look forward to the next installment!

Kale was once a slave, but was freed by her village elders when she found a dragon's egg; they sent her to study at Hall, but on her trek there she found more eggs and battled an evil wizard (see DRAGONSPELL). Eventually she made it to the Hall where she expected to be in service, but instead is a student, a difficult adjustment for one who has always been in servitude. The Wizard Fenworth learns of the exploits of the dragonkeeper of Paladin as Kale is known; he sends for her to come to The Bogs as his apprentice and to nurture his youngling a recently hatched meech dragon-infant. Her teachers at the Hall send swordsman and fellow student Bardon to accompany her. Kale dislikes Bardon, but the journey is long and dangerous and he seems to always be there when she needs him until the evil Wizard Risto makes his latest move. He has attained a new meech dragon that makes him nearly invincible; he plots vengeance on the slave girl who defeated him recently before conquering Amara. This spectacular sequel stars a delightful young heroine still struggling to understand the change in her circumstances from servitude to student. Bardon is a fabulous sidekick as he irritates and fascinates Kale, whose just discovering the attractive non-mischievous side of boys. The evil villain Risto is the perfect adversary in DRAGONQUEST as he obsessively needs to defeat the little girl who humiliatingly defeated him before and then conquer the world. Donita K. Paul provides a delightful fantasy that both the Potter and Tolkien crowds will treasure. Harriet Klausner