Hi there!
Welcome to another exciting week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Today, we're being granted membership to a very exclusive club. You can only belong if you've been a library patron, currently are one, or have possibly sought refuge in their hallowed stacks from the bullies that inhabit your reality. (*glares at bullies*) It's not a club that you find or found, but rather one that finds you. What's that? You have your doubts about all that I've said....can't say that I blame you exactly but allow me the chance to change your mind. Ladies and gents, hold on to your backpacks, bring your imagination, and prepare to explore a few bookish worlds in a whole new way. Today's book of choice is...
Dragon of the Month Club series, Book 1
by
9781505633665
About the book...
The Dragon Of The Month Club is the exciting first installment in a new book series that tells the story of Ayana Fall and Tyler Travers, two best friends who stumble across an extraordinarily magical book and soon find themselves enrolled as members of a very special and exclusive club - The Dragon of the Month Club.
On the thirteenth of every month a new dragon conjuring spell is revealed and the two friends attempt to summon the latest Dragon of the Month. The varieties are almost endless: Air Dragons, Paper Dragons, Fog Dragons, Waterfall Dragons, Rock Dragons, Tree Dragons - not to mention special bonus dragons for all the major holidays, including a particularly prickly Holly Dragon for Christmas.
But one day when a conjuring spell somehow goes wrong Ayana and Tyler find themselves unexpectedly drawn into a fantastical world of adventure based on the various books scattered all across Tyler's messy bedroom. Travelling from one book-inspired world to the next with nothing to rely on but their wits and a cast of strange and exotic dragons at their disposal they must try to somehow find their way home again.
Drawing inspiration from some of literature's most memorable stories - from 19th century German folktales to the streets of Sherlock Holmes's London - the adventures of Ayana and Tyler bring these classic stories to life in delightfully strange and unexpected ways. Filled with fascinating detail and non-stop action these books will spark the imaginations of readers of all ages to inspire a life-long love of reading and seeking out books that are just a little bit off the beaten track.
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This is the story of Ayana and Tyler, two everyday kids that are about to embark on one extraordinary adventure.
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. It will leave you with a new respect for the written word, a strong desire to collect your own magical dragons (some are just so cute!), and a reminder to be careful who we let into our lives but to be sure to let SOMEONE in. Recommended read for the targeted Young Adult audience and beyond; despite the cuteness in cover design, some parts are a bit too scary for the younger crowd...especially that dude with the the giant scissors! *-*
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About the Author:
Iain Reading is passionate about Root Beer, music, and writing. He is Canadian, but currently resides in the Netherlands working for the United Nations.
Iain writes young adult novels. He is the author of the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series, The Wizards of Waterfire Series, and The Dragon of the Month Club.
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Special thanks to Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, the author, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.
Until next time...happy reading!
1 comment:
I'm thrilled you like it - I had to stop reading it due to the scissor guy! Just couldn't take any more, despite adoring the dragons.
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