Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Classic epic fantasy debut

The Book Dragon has read Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Henley and gives it four claws!

My review: This classic epic fantasy has a strong heroic and legendary feel as the reader follows the quest of Alloryn to restore a lost princess as the Reina of Valdeor. Along the way he meets a cast of interesting characters, some friends and others foes. The stones of virtue the princess must win back make an excellent framework for the storyline as well as the theme. There is suspense, danger, heroism, and even a sweet romance, all written in such a way that the entire family can safely read and enjoy the story (and be uplifted). Alloryn and the princess are good role models for younger readers. Champion of Valdeor could even be read in a classroom to illustrate the timeless literary structure of the hero's journey.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Compelling, thoughtful, and life-changing story!

The Book Dragon has read Corinna Turner's page-turning novella Three Last Things: or The Hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin and gives it five claws!

My review: I've chosen to review this story by one of my favorite authors today because it's my birthday(!) and because this story is so special and unforgettable. It's difficult to explain why this story affected me so much without giving away spoilers, but I'm going to try! This is unlike any story I've read before. It was far out of my comfort zone (taking place inside a prison) and yet I could NOT put it down. The realistic and suspenseful situation the author has created shows the power of love and loudly shouts the truth of the Latin phrase "dum spiro, spero" ("While I breathe, I hope"). So don't let the first person POV of a hardened murderer make you wonder if you should read this story--your life will be better for reading it!!!!!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Emotional sequel to a historical family saga

The Book Dragon has finished Pamela Sharp's What Truly Matters and gives it five claws!

My review: What Truly Matters is the sequel to Sharp's excellent Because That's What Families Do. The first book covered about 20 years in the lives of cousins Beth Bradbourne and Sarah Lockridge (and their families), from the mid-forties to the mid-sixties in the 20th century. What Truly Matters picks up after the startling elopement at the end of book 1 and deals with the consequences of that spur-of-the-moment decision.

Though this installment is a bit shorter and covers less than a year in the life of these families, the reader is caught up in the unexpected drama happening to many of the family members, those who have become beloved "friends" as well as a few familiar characters and new faces who are fascinating antagonists. The tension is sustained throughout, and the background historical events are seamlessly woven into the narrative, grounding the time and place and showing how the turbulence of the 1960's had a widespread effect on cultural mores and race relations.

Yet what I love about this story is not merely the big picture but the intimate family portrait Sharp has expertly drawn with her wonderful characters. Best of all, even though the ending is very well done, she has left room for a third book, so here's hoping there is more to come! I can't get enough of these families!

Note: There is some language, but the worst terms are not spelled out.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A Timely, Practical, and Inspirational Book for All Americans

The Book Dragon has finished Dan Crenshaw's Fortitude: American Resilience in the Era of Outrage and gives it 5 claws!

My review: I don't read much nonfiction, but when I happened upon a video clip of the author calmly speaking to an emotional reactionary, I immediately thought, "I want to be like him." I looked him up and discovered this book, and boy am I GLAD I did! I can't recommend this book enough, especially during these times of over-the-top rage and lack of civility. Thanks, Dan Crenshaw, for writing such an accessible, practical, timely, and inspirational book!

Every section of this book touched and convicted me, causing me to realize that after years of self-reliance, a strong sense of duty, and a get-er-done attitude in leadership roles, I had come to see myself as a victim of circumstances and was wallowing in self-pity, believing my life and purpose were over. Crenshaw's no-nonsense approach to life, his humility in admitting his own mistakes, and his willingness to openly share his own journey of suffering and enlightenment were exactly what I needed to read to get my life back on track. I greatly appreciate his stoicism, rational thinking, and historical context which makes current events much easier to understand.

Note: There are a few f-bombs. Crenshaw was a Navy SEAL and draws heavily on those experiences (and most of the f-bombs are in related conversations during training).