Review: Entertaining Read!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 11 9, 2013
This was an imaginative novel about a society of dragons that live in the present day on the earth and under the earth with the purpose of taking care of the human population (without the knowledge of the humans of course). I love the idea that the dragons live among us..The story revolves around three dragons, Peter, Tank and Richie, who live and work on the surface in "mutatio" or human form. It begins with George and his heroic killing (apparent) and removal of a dragon from a town sometime in the past during a time of knights. We later that this is a `true' story being told to some young dragons in the nursery rings, where Peter, one of the main protagonists has gone to visit.The dragon world exists under the human world with most large dragon cities corresponding to large human cities above. Dragons have access to the surface through secret entrances in various public sites and in their homes. The dragon world is quite fascinating and the routes down to their world sometimes resembles something of a rollercoaster ride (I'll bet humans would love it too!). I really liked the creativity of the author in his creation the dragon world. It is a fascinating place he has created with lava fountains and lakes, environmentally friendly transportation and sometime unique building materials.Sometimes the story seemed to go off on a bit of a tangent as some of the sports that the humans/dragons were involved in as the author went in depth in describing some of the matches that the protagonists either watched or were involved in. However, these sports were important to both the protagonists and the author. For children and youth who love sports, this might be a draw for them to pick up the book to read.The author created very likeable protagonists with few vices. They don't smoke and they don't do drugs. Peter doesn't drink at all as he doesn't see the point in the silliness and sickness that alcohol can cause. They do swear some ("hell" and "god" mainly) but they also have a good work ethic and display good sportsmanship.The mystery of who Mr. Manson is, and why Peter feels there is something evil about him, and what Manson is doing at Cropptech, the company where Peter and Richie work, is quite well done. Peter finds himself in the position of having to solve this mystery. He is a believable unlikely heroPaul Cude took put a lot of thought into this novel, so much so, that he even made a play on words in the titles of his chapters. They were just a fun, quirky little addition. An example? Chapter 1 - "Dragon Sleighing". Since the chapter is about defeating a dragon, you'd think the title should be "Dragon Slaying". However, "Dragon Sleighing" is the title because the carry the dragon carcass away on a sleigh. Cude is a "pun-ny" man.This book was an entertaining read for middle-grade students (ages 9-12) and up, or for parents to read to their children. It's also suitable for young-at-heart adults. I gave this book 3 stars.Thank you to the author, Paul Cude for providing a copy of his book for a fair and honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.