Iain Reading

It reminded me of The Neverending Story with the how-to-conquer-your-dragon book being found by accident as they were hiding from bullies in the book stacks. (Atreyu anyone?) Start aside though, that's where the similarities end. The two stars of our show get to work on creating their first little dragon with skeptical hearts but by night's end, they are beyond amazed and anxious to try again. Could you blame them? The little Water Dragon they create is adorable, except when he makes a HUGE mess by dowsing everything in site...then again they are warned to have towels at the ready, not just one. Anywho, the magic begins with the friendship and the spell, continues with their inauguration into the club, and builds as their skills grow...until one day, something goes awry. The consequences of their spell gone wrong are beyond what any warning could have advised nor their imaginations conjured, and it lands them somewhere beyond belief. To escape, they must work together utilizing all their skills and book knowledge to reach the one with all the answers. Question is when they get there, will they TRULY have those answers and if so, will they be willing to share? Only time will tell...too bad they don't have much of it to spare.


There is magic, dragon conjuring, secret clubs, and books-come-to-life to explore, but the coolest part to me isn't about all of the fantasy aspects. It's the dose of reality that still shines through from its pages and warms my heart that really makes it stand out. It all started with Ayana and Tyler's first meeting in the library as she was escaping that group of mean girls. Their connection was instantaneous as was the knowledge that they'd be lifelong friends. Tyler's desire to do anything to make her smile and relieve her worries grows and their friendship deepens. By the time we get to the Wishing Tree, we find we aren't surprised by his selflessness but smiling from ear to ear at the true-ness of his heart...or at least I was. ^-^ Now I know I've been going on about Tyler, but what of Ayana? Well now, it's not that she's not emotive but she IS much more of a locked box thanks to the life fate has dealt her. She's not bad off but in the family department, it's been no walk on the beach, so to read her heart it takes a bit longer. When it does open though, you can see the gentleness of spirit (despite her amazing accuracy and aggression when throwing fruit at sharks), the desire to believe good in all things (perfect example, the Wolf...no further comment), and the loyalty to those she holds dear all residing in perfect harmony. She's a tough cookie but with the melty center.

In conclusion, a curious adventure through the pages in more ways than one.



**review copy received in exchange for my honest review, full post can be seen on my site**… (altro)

The first book of a Young Adult series that promises adventure, mystery, and high-flying fun, starring a headstrong and intelligent leading lady that more than earns her wings for her skill, quick thinking, and puzzling abilities.

What starts out on a nature expedition to record migration routes and habits of humpback whales in and around Alaska turns into a kidnapping by potential thugs on a treasure quest. She develops what seems to be a case of Stockholm syndrome to the extreme and things get all topsy turvy as we risk life and limb to escape the threat to our very existence. Good thing we have a smashing leading lady in one, Kitty Hawk!

She's got smarts, spunk, wit, talent, curiosity, and a knack for both getting in trouble as well as out of it. Though worried tremendously for her safety once in the clutches of the kidnappers, I never once doubted she'd figure something out. Now, I was COMPLETELY surprised when things were turned on their ear, making you rethink the impressions you cemented about certain people, things, and situations. She's a braver and more forgiving soul than I because frankly, you kidnap me...you're toast.

In the end, we're treated to a story filled with high flying adventure, a bit of history, a dash of geography, and a whole lotta fun. Its appeal is wide ranging, both in age and gender, with its multi-layered plot, and the subject matters covered work together to keep it from being pigeon holed in any way. I will say that my recommendation is for adventure seekers in their teens and beyond though, as the writing style and topics covered may have younger reader's minds straying.


***copy received for review… (altro)

Ayana has recently moved to a new town and a new school. To escape the school bully she takes refuge in the local library where she meets Tyler and they soon become firm friends. In the Library they come across a magical book that adds new pages each month with instructions on conjuring a different dragon each time. After filling out a form in the book they soon find themselves enrolled in the Dragon of the Month Club. Some are easy to conjure whilst others will take more time and skill. When one of the spells goes wrong they are pulled into a magical world filled with danger.

I loved the idea that the magical world they entered was actually Tyler’s bedroom which had come to life. As they entered each story book he had on his bed they faced different perils requiring problem solving and team work to overcome.

Tyler’s bedroom had turned into an animated world. The bedspread of islands, palms and oceans were now all real, every book a new adventure from China to Victorian London, where they meet Sherlock Holmes. They encounter the worms and sand hills of Dune and the scissor man from Grimm’s fairytales.

The idea of conjuring dragons from the elements (water, steam, wood, sand) was unique but I felt the dragons could have featured more and been more significant to the story.

Reading’s stories are educational as well as entertaining. The author included fun facts, about the stories the children ventured through, at the end of the book.
I really enjoyed this story suitable for ages 7 – 10 (please see content rating). It was extremely readable but to become a 5 star read it need a few things:
Tighter editing
Explore themes fully – the bullying of Ayana caught my attention and empathy then petered out.
Equality in characters- in the author’s attempt to create a strong female role in Ayana he has inadvertently made Tyler look weak. I’m hoping Tyler will come to the fore in book 2.

Recommended for children that enjoy magical realism.
CONTENT: cautionary tales – may scare sensitive children. Characters say the words “bollocks” (in the sense of meaning nonsense) and “crap”.

My thanks to the author via Book Publicity Services for my review copy.… (altro)