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287 pp.
| Scholastic/Orchard
| October, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-41453-1$16.99
(3)
4-6
Last Dragon Chronicles series.
This collaboration of the popular series' author and his wife includes everything a fan could possibly want to know. Illustrations and photos are interspersed with chapters highlighting the inspirations; guides to characters, settings, and language; rundowns of individual installments; and exploration of the myths and legends. This insider scoop will appeal hugely (and only) to diehard devotees of the series.
568 pp.
| Scholastic/Orchard
| May, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-40216-3$18.99
(4)
4-6
Last Dragon Chronicles series.
Extensive backstory begins this sometimes disjointed series ender. Oft-mentioned Agawin finally arrives, weaving together David, Zanna, Alexa, Lucy, and the Pennykettle dragons' stories. The leaps in time can be dizzying, and the ending (which questions the entire tale's reality) is only somewhat convincing. Despite some plot holes here and there, series fans will appreciate the closure.
565 pp.
| Scholastic/Orchard
| May, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-28368-7$18.99
(3)
4-6
Last Dragon Chronicles series.
Picking up the series' story in a parallel universe, this book gives familiar characters altered lives. On "Co:per:nica," David Merriman's immense powers stir trouble between the worlds, and the fearsome Ix have slipped through from Earth. Firebirds--not dragons--play a central role (to the dismay of dragon fans), but there's ample action and revelation in this briskly paced fantasy.
567 pp.
| Scholastic/Orchard
| April, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-10272-8$17.99
(4)
4-6
Last Dragon Chronicles series.
Polar bears, witches, dragons, ravens, unicorns, a famous writer, and Lucy Pennykettle's family return in this fifth Last Dragon installment. Together and apart, they continue their battle against the malevolent, power-hungry "shadow of beings," Ix. The lengthy exposition (including retelling of previous books) and minimal character development will deter new readers, but series fans will enjoy the action, resurrected characters, and cliff-hanger ending.
506 pp.
| Scholastic/Orchard
| July, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-05163-7$16.99
(4)
4-6
Last Dragon Chronicles series.
The Dragon saga continues as David, now the polar bear Ingavar, works to save the world from darkness. Liz, Lucy, Zanna, and the dragons try to move forward without David, only to be caught up, long-distance, in his battle. While the dragons can be confusing, as can some of the legends, the strong narrative voice and characterizations will keep series fans happy.
549 pp.
| Scholastic/Orchard
| March, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-439-84582-3$15.99
(4)
4-6
Last Dragon Chronicles series.
D'Lacey's latest Dragon book is his best yet, with David and the others adventuring with polar bears as well as their dragon companions. While the language still sounds too young for David's age, the author builds strong suspense toward the story's conclusion. Several new characters and some well-written good-and-evil scenes make this installment worthwhile for series fans.
344 pp.
| Scholastic/Orchard
| May, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-439-67243-0$14.95
(4)
4-6
Last Dragon Chronicles series.
David rents a room from Liz and her daughter Lucy and finds himself embroiled in an adventure involving squirrels, storytelling, and a lot of clay dragons who may or may not be alive. D'Lacey's characters are realistic and engaging; although his many plots are woven a bit awkwardly, the story is a page-turner.