Rise of the Shadow Dragons

Rise of the Shadow Dragons, an epic fantasy adventure, is the second book in The Legends of the Sky series. Once again it is full of magical and mystical dragons that are as mesmerising as in the first book, Dragon Daughter. The story contains well developed characters that takes the reader along with them in an adventure that is full of drama and excitement...

Jowan (Joe) wants just one thing in life... to be chosen by a dragon on hatching day. However, things do not go to plan, he doesn't get chosen and after being taunted by a rival, Noah, Joe's temper quickly rises and he raises his foot to stamp on a newly born Dragon!

Joe flees from the town, he is disgusted with himself and hides in the tunnels below the city away from his family and friends. He believes they are better off without him, and vows not to return until he can prove himself to be worthy of their love and trust once again.

In the tunnels he makes several discoveries; the first is Winter, she is a mysterious young woman who stays away from everyone since her dragon died. The second discovery is two caskets that Joe and Winter find in one of the underground caves. What is inside? Why does Joe feel so drawn to them?

The Rise of the Shadow Dragons is about a boy that, due to his actions, believes himself to be an outcast but who later becomes a hero as he attempts to save his family and friends from a disaster that will change the magical island of Arcosi. This story has 322 magical, well-written pages with manageable chapters, which are suitable for all level of readers from 9+ that love fantasy books. I would also recommend it for book clubs as its contents (politics, power struggles, trust, secrets, friendship and of course plenty of Dragons) offer scope for lots of debate and discussion. For teachers of these wonderful book clubs, log into the author's website, you will find activities and resources for the two books in this series.

This story is full of action and adventure coupled with dragons and mystery. The author, through her wonderful descriptions, once again brings these magnificent, magical creatures alive which helps the reader engage with the story. I'm hoping that there will be a book three sometime in the future so that I can continue my journey with these magical creatures.

322 pages / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+