Monday Review by the Book Dragon: YA fantasy shows the power of love!

The Book Dragon recommends this YA urban fantasy for teens and those who used to be teens and gives Magian High by Lia London 5 claws!

Here's my 5 star review of Magian High: "The "power of love" theme has been used many, many times in books, movies, songs, and plays, but this well-written, fast-moving, and honest modern-day fantasy takes the theme and makes universal application in a fresh, very satisfying way. It gives the reader hope that even when dealing with the worst kind of prejudice, one ordinary person who is willing to step out of his comfort zone can inspire others to stand together courageously and make a difference in their world."

Read more about this book and its wonderful author, the founder of Clean Indie Reads!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Exciting MG Fantasy Adventure With Heart

The Book Dragon recommends Ben the Dragonborn by Dianne Astle and the sequel, Ben and the Watcher of Zargon, and gives them 4.5 claws rounded up to 5!

Here's my 4 star review of Ben the Dragonborn: "I confess I wanted to read this book because I love dragons (and there are some cool ones; just be patient), but Ben's fear of water sucked me in from the beginning. The strong connection between the reader and Ben keeps one turning the pages, and even faster once he's sent to a water world where all his nightmares keep coming true. Wow, there are some creepy creatures and dangers everywhere Ben turns! This fantasy adventure story resonates with solid themes of friendship, overcoming prejudice, and finding inner strength in learning who you really are." 

Here's my 5 star review of Ben and the Watcher of Zargon: "I really liked the first book and was eager to read Ben's continuing adventures. This story is action-packed, and young readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Ben's journey with the girl he likes and a new young student. This time they travel to Zargon, one of the Guardian's Six Worlds and home of Ben's dragonborn mother. The setting was fascinating, and the danger spine-tingling. I'm giving this book 4.5 stars rounded up to five, only because there were a few places when I wished the plot wasn't moving quite so fast so the reader could take a breath and have more time to get to know the characters better. Recommended!"

Here's Dianne Astle with her books (and Ben the Dragonborn's new cover)

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Imaginative Fairy Tale Re-Imagining

The Book Dragon recommends The Firethorn Crown, Lea Doue's fascinating fantasy re-imagining of the 12 Dancing Princesses (with dragons) and gives it 4.5 claws rounded up to 5!

Here's my review: "4.5 stars for an imaginative fantasy loosely based on the fairy tale "The 12 Dancing Princesses." The 12 sisters were wonderfully drawn, though it took a while for me to keep them straight. The setting feels real, and I love the dragons of all sizes, though we only "hear" about the big scary ones. The plot had as many twists and turns as the maze featured in the story, and once I neared the climax, I could NOT put this book down. If you like fairy tales, fantasy with suspense, romance, and dragons, I recommend this clean read for ages 12 and up!" 

The book is listed as #1 in the Firethorn Chronicles, and this reader is looking forward to the next one!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Fun Steampunk Romance!

The Book Dragon recommends H. L. Burke's fun steampunk romance series about reformed cat burglar Nyssa Glass and has given each of the three books 5 claws!

Book 1: Nyssa Glass and the House of Mirrors

My 5 star review: "I had NO idea what to expect with this book, but *wham* the story gripped my throat at the beginning and didn't let go until the final page. I love the title character, her mentor, and the computer she befriends in the deliciously creepy mansion. Lots of twists and turns in the plot, and riveting suspense. Highly imaginative and fun to read. I wanted to buy some goggles like Nyssa's, and she had some cool tools! I look forward to the next in this new series!" 

Book 2: Nyssa Glass and the Juliet Dilemma 

My 5 star review: "Having read book 1 of Nyssa's adventures, I looked forward to continuing her story. This one is a non-stop tale of suspense, cool gadgets, mysterious antagonists, and I loved the continuing interaction between Nyssa and Ellis. It's fun to journey with two smart, quirky young people. I alternate between gasping over their peril and smiling at their budding love. I recommend this series for anyone who likes urban fantasy/steampunk, adventure, suspense, and romance. Waiting for #3!"

Book 3: Nyssa Glass and the Cutpurse Kid 

My 5 star review: "Another great episode in the Nyssa Glass series! I love the blend of danger, romance, and the unexpected in this story. Nyssa and Ellis grow more and more "real" and this reader grows more and more fond of them. The new characters are delightful, and the details of the new setting are gritty and realistic. There are so many great lines, it makes me want to learn how to "highlight" on my Kindle! I hope there are more in this series! And I wish I could try on Nyssa's cool goggles!"

The Book Dragon and I sure hope there will be more in this great series!

Monday Book Review by the Book Dragon: Compelling Christian Fantasy with Dragons!

The Book Dragon recommends Jaye L. Knight's Ilyon Chronicles, a highly original and compelling Christian fantasy series with dragons with an overall rating of 5 claws!

Prequel Novella: Half Blood
My 5 star review: "I read book 1 RESISTANCE before reading the prequel, but it will work either way. This was a powerful story, tightly focused on the title character, Jace. My heart hurt so much for him as he tried so hard to hold onto a speck of hope in a hopeless situation. A power reminder to not judge on appearances but look into the heart, and have faith and trust in God."

Book One: Resistance
My 4 star review: "This is a thoughtful and compelling story with wonderfully developed characters in an interesting fantasy world. The best thing about this book was the encouragement for believers to stand courageous in the face of persecution, and the most powerful scene shows exactly that."

Book Two: The King's Scrolls
My 5 star review: "This second book in the Ilyon Chronicles is even better than the first. The stakes are high, and the emperor will stop at nothing to find the King's Scrolls. New characters, both endearing and traitorous are introduced, and best of all there are dragons! My favorite aspect of this book is demonstrating through the suffering of the characters that Elom (God) is ever near and He will find a way to fulfill his will, even when lives are changed forever and all hope seems to be lost."

Book Three: Samara's Peril
My 5 star review: "This series continues to imbed itself in my heart. The characters feel like family, and I ache for their trials and disappointments, and rejoice in their triumphs. They continue to grow, sometimes in unexpected ways, and this world feels real. Without giving away too many details, I just want to commend Ms. Knight on the powerful redemption scene that brought me to tears. Reading it was even more powerful and personal than what happened in the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Bravo! I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series...."

I read on Goodreads that the next book is titled Exiles, but it has not been released yet. I think it's really special that Ms. Knight is a homeschool graduate! And not just because I was a homeschool Mom for 25 years.