Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Dragon Games by P.W. Catanese

Catanese, P.W. Dragon Games (Books of Umber, bk 2), 373 pgs. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster Children's), 2010.

Rating : PG (for violence)

Having just returned from the cave of the sea-giants, Happenstance learns more about his past from a young wanderer, though the news provides little comfort. He enjoys his time exploring all the curiosities and archives at the Aerie, but a hunt for a death-boar with Kurahaven's crown prince and brother goes deadly wrong. When Lord Umber is ready for another adventure, Happenstance and Lord Umber's truth-telling bodyguard Oates are pulled along. They first set off to rescue Lord Umber's old archivist, who may have more information about meddlers (of which Happenstance is one), from the bidmis. Then, they are off to the first-ever "dragon games" in a neighboring kingdom which is ruled by a ruthless man and his equally hateful, vengeful son. Complete with soul-crabs, stolen dragon eggs, spider-folk, and an uprising, this is adventure tale has plenty of fantastical beasts, plotting and scheming, and battles between good and evil. It is a great ride for any fantasy reader.

MS - ESSENTIAL. Reviewed by P.K. Foster, MS teacher-librarian.

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