Dragon Storm: Erin and Rockhammer

Erin and Rockhammer is the sixth book in the Dragon Storm series and it is the best one yet!! Each story follows a Dragonseer (someone who can summon a dragon) and this story follows Erin, a foster child with some amazing fighting skills and mega bravery. The only problem is, she can't summon her dragon, Rockhammer, without support and she feels like she cannot do it. When things get a bit much for Erin, her and Connor are sent to Stillness, another dragonseer retreat. When danger strikes, however, Erin is pushed to her limits and needs to fight her battles.

I like how each child's story is different a touches on different subjects and issues. Erin struggles with self-confidence and quick judgements. The story follows her journey and helps her cope with her struggle through friendship and bravery.

I have read all six of these books now and I cannot recommend them enough. The books are fast-paced and full of action. I can't wait for number seven, especially with how this book ends.

160 pages / Reviewed by Lauren Maidman, class teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+

Dragon Storm: Erin and Rockhammer, is the sixth book in the Dragon Storm series by Alastair Chisholm, and just like others in this series it makes for an exciting read, ideal for any newly independent reader. This short story wastes no time with 'pleasantries' and gets straight to the action. We first meet Erin '…sword high and her shield ready, and waiting for her enemies…' Fortunately for Erin, this sword fight is only part of her training as a Dragonseer, however, that doesn't stop her defeating all four of her fellow trainees.

Erin is a fine sword fighter, quicker and more skilled than most, but that's not quite enough to make her a confident Dragonseer. Dragonseer's, as the name suggests, are paired with their own dragon with which they then serve to protect the people and land of Draconis. However, Erin still has a problem summoning her dragon, something the other student Dragonseers can do easily, some with just a simple click of their fingers! Erin lacks confidence in her ability and is frightened of the feelings she experiences when trying to summon Rockhammer, her dragon. So when the chancellor of the Dragonseer Guild, Lady Berin, tells Erin she would like her to go to a place outside of the city for help her with her feelings, Erin immediately becomes even more worried. She feels she is being moved on, just like when she was part of the foster care system; when things 'weren't working', she would be moved on. Lady Berin assures Erin this is not the case and Erin, and one of her least favourite fellow Dragonseer trainees, Connor, are sent off out into the world beyond the safety of the Dragoonseer Guild.

As with other books in this series, I really liked the illustrations throughout the book, just enough to keep the interest of a young reader without distracting them from the read itself. This is a super short story. An action-packed page-turner that includes themes of friendship, trust and courage. Ideal for any KS2 classroom, particularly those where readers have still to find their 'hook book'.

160 pages / Reviewed by Sam Phillips, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 7+