The Dragon Fyre Blade: Lycanthor the Werewolf (1)
by Aiden Storm
Genre(s): Children, Youth
Pages: 71
Published: July 2014
Publisher: Dreaming Empire
Summary: "Thirteen year old Jack
is spending the summer at his Aunt’s house in the country.
Unfortunately, it’s done nothing but rain and he’s stuck in her old
mansion without cable or internet. Bored and alone, he sets out to
explore the house. When he reaches the attic, he finds an intricate and
unusual mural painted on the walls. Life for Jack gets turned upside
down when he stumbles and is transported through a portal into a magical
world.
For Jasyra, the daughter of the High King, life couldn’t be worse. Her father has been turned to glass, her kingdom has been taken over by the Demon Emperor, and she and her friend, Evooku, have been exiled. The only way to save the land is to reassemble the Dragon Fyre Blade, but the Demon Emperor has hidden all six pieces and each is guarded by great mythical beasts. There is only one person who can help restore peace, but it has been said that he is not of their land.
When Jack awakens in the Great Forest of Karandur, he encounters Jasyra and Evooku. He discovers the only way home is to band together to fight the evil Lycanthor, a giant werewolf that guards a piece of the Dragon Fyre Blade. But first they have to make it through an enchanted land full of danger.
The Queen of Light appears to Jack and delivers a gift, as well as a revelation. He, Jasyra and Evooku form an unlikely friendship along the way and lasting bonds are made when they realize they are Karandur’s only hope. Will the trio be able to defeat Lycanthor and save the kingdom from an eternity of despair?
The Dragon Fyre Blade: Lycanthor the Werewolf is the first book in a series of six and is written for children 7 - 11 years old"
For Jasyra, the daughter of the High King, life couldn’t be worse. Her father has been turned to glass, her kingdom has been taken over by the Demon Emperor, and she and her friend, Evooku, have been exiled. The only way to save the land is to reassemble the Dragon Fyre Blade, but the Demon Emperor has hidden all six pieces and each is guarded by great mythical beasts. There is only one person who can help restore peace, but it has been said that he is not of their land.
When Jack awakens in the Great Forest of Karandur, he encounters Jasyra and Evooku. He discovers the only way home is to band together to fight the evil Lycanthor, a giant werewolf that guards a piece of the Dragon Fyre Blade. But first they have to make it through an enchanted land full of danger.
The Queen of Light appears to Jack and delivers a gift, as well as a revelation. He, Jasyra and Evooku form an unlikely friendship along the way and lasting bonds are made when they realize they are Karandur’s only hope. Will the trio be able to defeat Lycanthor and save the kingdom from an eternity of despair?
The Dragon Fyre Blade: Lycanthor the Werewolf is the first book in a series of six and is written for children 7 - 11 years old"
Review: I started off with the book, amused by the title Lycanthor the Werewolf
being the lycanthropy is the condition of being a werewolf. So simple
play on words there.
While I could enjoy the story one a few levels I had a major problem with it. I could not figure out what the age group was. It was mentioned as Middle Grade level but being so short it seemed odd. The main character is 13 year old Jack which does fit for that age range and some of the words in the book and the concept of werewolves is more middle grade. Yet the pace, structure and writing seems geared to 1st-3rd graders. Most middle schoolers I know of would be bored with this. It has about the same level of depth as The Magic Treehouse books. Very similar structure to the story actually. So, like I said, conflicting above all else. Yet Werewolves, demon lords, etc can be a bit much for young children in my opinion.
Now, it does have potential. If the story deepens with the next book, is more active, rich and more challenging it would be a great fantasy series for 6-8 graders. I see hope for Jack's character to mature as his adventure continues. This first book is just the beginning it seems.
While I could enjoy the story one a few levels I had a major problem with it. I could not figure out what the age group was. It was mentioned as Middle Grade level but being so short it seemed odd. The main character is 13 year old Jack which does fit for that age range and some of the words in the book and the concept of werewolves is more middle grade. Yet the pace, structure and writing seems geared to 1st-3rd graders. Most middle schoolers I know of would be bored with this. It has about the same level of depth as The Magic Treehouse books. Very similar structure to the story actually. So, like I said, conflicting above all else. Yet Werewolves, demon lords, etc can be a bit much for young children in my opinion.
Now, it does have potential. If the story deepens with the next book, is more active, rich and more challenging it would be a great fantasy series for 6-8 graders. I see hope for Jack's character to mature as his adventure continues. This first book is just the beginning it seems.
Hmm...I don't know if they think the world-building makes the story seem more advanced than it is, or what. (That's a pitfall I've seen with some paranormal.)
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