Even More Dragon Stones

There are some books that stay with you, the effects that linger in your mind and you find that you can't get enough. That book for me is Dragon Stones.  I have already posted my "official" review but I still feel like there is more to say about that book.
I really like Elias, yea I know that I said that there wasn't a lot of depth to the his character. But that's according to the prophecy that he is unknowingly supposed to fulfill. Is he the one that they all need to rescue themselves from the evil emperor? Or is the one that aids the prophesied person? Following tradition, my guess would be it is Elias that they are waiting on. But he doesn't know it, so therefore he is not burdened with that task.
But he does have a burden to carry, it is because of his disobedience that his grandmother is now dead. But, as we learn more about his grandmother and family in general, I think we can see that she was willing participant -she made the choice to die so that Elias could live. It was her way of contributing to the good side and helping one last time.  But Elias is sad over the loss of her. That's understandable since she is his last living family member. He doesn't whine about it, he sets off to do what she has asked him to.  And the ability alone to do that is admirable.
Then there's Thorin, the dwarf that he encounters and who is now helping Elias. What a character! If I ever go on a journey, I wish I had a friend like Thorin to go with me. Thorin seems to know everyone and all the places to go and the ones to avoid.  He is wise and older than he looks. He is able to tell Elias stories about his family, and knows the dark secret that flutters in Elias' family's past.
Tallin and Duskeye are currently my favorite dragon and dragon rider pair. They have  such a tragic history but still they stand and fight and that to me is the perfect example of bravery.

I think I could go on and on about Dragon Stones,  but I won't. I received part two yesterday and will start that soon, and I honestly can't wait.

Always Shine,
Starr K.

Dragon Stone by Kristian Alva

Dragon Stones by Kristian Alva

Defiant Press – July 14,2011

www.kristianalva.com

Facebook: not sure

Emperor Vosper has this plan to kill all of the dragons. They are driven to the edge of existence, almost forgotten about and only talked about in whispers as a wistful memory. When Elias Dorgumir finds a dragon stone, he gets more than he bargained for and his nice quiet life is completely shattered. Now he must escape the emperor and find safety with the dwarves.

 What can I say? I am so excited about this series! I can’t wait to get the second book to review. It has been my experience that fantasy books; regardless of the target age groups are always either really good or really bad. I don’t think that I have ever read one that was just “okay”. If I have, I don’t remember it.  This truly was an unexpected delight. Honestly, the only thing that really bothered me was the fact that the action was set in motion with the cliché kid who doesn’t listen to his grandmother because he wants to help out. It is a little cliché but man, nicely done.

            What I loved loved loved about this book was that it didn’t bog you down with the history of the land or the details of world building.  You start in a time when great battles have already been fought, the evil emperor is already in charge and the people of the land are simply trying to survive. The history is given in snippets at just the right time and you’re never given more than you need. Elias, what a character with potential! There wasn’t a lot of depth given to him, as far as the role that he will ultimately play in the story but I like him. There is clearly more to learn about him and the secrets of his family.

            The ending! Oh. My. Goodness. I was at work when I got to the last page, to the last sentence. Talk about a cliffhanger, a sentence that just totally baseball bat slammed to the face hit you. So not fair and I DEFINITELY want more- RIGHT NOW!

            There wasn’t a lot heart-pounding action, but there was definite flow. There was definite edge-of-your-seat-can’t-stop-turning-pages attraction with this book. And I definitely can’t wait to get my hands on the next one.

Recommendation: Middle grade/Young adult

Rating: Absolutely fantastic, a book that will definitely be kept and passed around to the youngsters in my life! (And probably even some adults)

This book was given to me, free, in exchange for my honest review.

Really? What are you waiting for, go get this book!!

Always Shine,

Starr K