8+: Flight to Dragon Isle - Lucinda Hare

Release Date: 04/08/11

BOOK BLURB:

A brutal war against the united hobgoblin tribes rages, and Quenelda longs to accompany her hero Dragon Lord father into battle. But when the elite Stealth Dragon Services is ambushed and defeated - due to the dark treachery of the Grand Master - and her father is presumed dead, the Seven Sea Kingdoms are thrown into turmoil. Evil plots swirl - with even Quenelda's own beloved dragon in mortal danger - but Quenelda finds a magical, secret solace at the heart of the fabled fortress Dragon Isle. Can she use her new powers to set the tide of victory turning against the hobgoblins?


REVIEW:

Having loved the original novel by Lucinda I really couldn’t wait to get reacquainted with Root and Quenelda as their adventures continue against the evil behind the scenes, the Grand Master, former friend of Quenelda’s father Earl Rufus De Winter.

Whilst the first book set the scene, this one gets down to the bare bones of the matter at hand and like the Empire Strikes Back, it’s a lot darker than the first as there’s a lot of death as well as devastation and it looks overall like the Grand Master who would be King is all set to become the Emperor of all he surveys. Add to this a good number of twists, some very bleak outcomes backed up with one ember of light that will need the best efforts of everyone to ensure that the fire of righteousness takes light.

All in this title was a scary and thoroughly enjoyable read despite the darker aspect and one that I feel shows quite clearly that not every world is sweetness and light with the heroes not winning every battle. Its cleverly written, the cast addictive and when backed with stooges (the Hobgoblins and Quenelda’s Brother) as well as Patsies (Quenelda’s Brother again) it’s one that really will keep the reader demanding the third instalment. A cracking read although you may want to read through it with your own hatchling due to some of the subject matter.

8+: The Dragon Whisperer - Lucinda Hare

Release Date: 07/04/11

BOOK BLURB:

Quenelda has always had a magical bond with dragons, and her greatest wish is to fly one and fight alongside her father in the war against the hobgoblins. Root, on the other hand, wishes only to avoid the fearsome creatures, so the role of Quenelda's esquire is the last thing he needs. But an unexpected friendship is forged, and when Dragons Dome is besieged by a deadly plot, this unlikely duo must find a way to defeat the dark forces. Epic battles, whispered legends and soaring magic combine in this breathtaking debut fantasy, with black and white illustrations by David Wyatt.


REVIEW:

Finding a new children's author that presents something novel and catchy to occupy the young mind is a lot like trying to catch the wind. First of all the mind at times can rush from one area to another and at other times it barely even registers and you have to takes people word that such a thing exists.

So,when Lucinda's book landed, I read the back, was intrigued and began devouring the book. Yep it takes a lot to get something to the top of my TBR pile and its virtually unheard of for a new author to do just that, but the way the blurb laid it out, this was a book I just couldn't miss and what a ride it was.

The writing was expertly handled, the characters not only charming but a villain that you're just going to love to hate. Its fresh, its new and above all its going to do for Dragon fantasy what Rowling did for Wizards. Lucinda is definitely a name to watch out for and to be honest this is going to be in my top five YA books for the year, give this another book, maybe two and it will be the hottest thing on the YA circuit so get in now before the hype hits. If you need any other persuasion try this, its McCaffrey and Novik Flaming hot fiction for the YA market. Need I say more?