Young Ping at last finds a haven for her beloved dragon hatchling Kai in this contrived but adequate conclusion to a trilogy that began with Dragon Keeper (2005). Guided by a cryptic map and a prophecy that the author, for some reason, reveals only in parts and after the events it describes have happened, Ping and Kai set out over vast stretches of drought-stricken land and into high ranges of mountains in hopes of reaching a place where other dragons still dwell, safe from rapacious hunters. Rehearsing previous episodes and running into previously met characters as they go, the two endure harrowing dangers and hardships—and Ping has to make a wrenching sacrifice—before their quest comes to an end. For all the tale’s uneven pacing and quality, Ping’s loyalty, intelligence and tenacity make her an admirable character, and dracophiles will enjoy watching the puppylike Kai at least begin (dragons are very long-lived) to come into his own. (glossary, Pinyin pronunciation guide) (Fantasy. 11-13)
Pub Date: May 6, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-4231-1143-6
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2008
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A disguised young prince and a mariner’s daughter survive shipwreck, relentless pursuit, a power-hungry sorcerer and dragon attacks in this well-knit series opener. Sole survivors of a mysterious, fire-laced tempest, Edmund and Elspeth are cast ashore together. When Elspeth numbly opens an old trunk that washes up too, she finds herself unwillingly bonded to an invisible gauntlet that flares into sight at need, wielding a bright sword. Suddenly, armored minions of Orgrim, a powerful “repente” able at will to see through the eyes of others, are harrying her and Edmund, himself dismayed to discover that he has strange magical powers, across the countryside. The two fugitives make a good team; Edmund shuttles between arrogance and scared innocence, but shows a good heart and deep reserves of courage, while Elspeth, more mature despite being about the same age, brings a practical turn of mind to the mix, along with enough spirit to cope with loss and reversals. Lake gives her tale an early medieval setting, populates it with a supporting cast featuring both an enigmatic Harper and a huge dragon and closes with hints of a dangerous plot to free a long-fettered god. A promising set-up, conveyed with above average skill. (Fantasy. 11-13)
Pub Date: May 1, 2006
ISBN: 1-58234-965-7
Page Count: 250
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
A mischarted island becomes a refuge for injured sea creatures—including a few mythical ones—in this now-poignant, now-farcical adventure from the author of The Secret of Platform 13 (1998). After decades of tending to oil-covered sea birds, traumatized mermaids, the occasional stoorworm (a wingless dragon) or elephant-sized boobrie bird, the three unmarried Harper sisters feel old age creeping up: so off they hie to spirit away three children to train as successors. They return with 10-year-old Minette, who has spent much of her life unhappily shuttling between extremely divorced parents, Brazilian-born Fabio, who is being forced into the mold of a young British gentleman at dreary Greymarsh Towers boarding school, and Lambert Sprott, spoiled scion of predatory entrepreneur Stanley Sprott. Minette and Fabio quickly fall in love with the island and its inhabitants, particularly after the mountain-sized Kraken, the oceans’ mighty protector, wakes from a 100-year sleep and drops off his new son before beginning a world-spanning patrol. Lambert, however, a real chip off the old block, gives the game away as soon as he finds his cell phone. Enter Stanley, both to rescue his son and, dazzled by visions of a lucrative sideshow, to seize the island’s less common residents just before the police arrive. Ibbotson’s cast is made up largely of types and adult caricatures, but briskly stirring in oodles of complications, she brings the plot to a boil that climaxes with the enraged Kraken charging in to rescue his son on one side, and the Aunts caught in a sensational public trial for kidnapping on the other. The author dishes up a satisfying romp flavored with strong sympathy for those who care for the natural world rather than exploit it. Like her previous books, this will ride high on “Others Like Harry Potter” lists for its style of humor, sturdy young protagonists, and array of fantastical beings. (Fiction. 11-13)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2000
ISBN: 0-525-46484-0
Page Count: 276
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2000
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