Review: A world of fantasy and adventure like no other...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 24, 2012
Mark of the Dragon Queen is a thoroughly enjoyable read.Set in an unspecified era a century or so ago, somewhere in Europe (or so one imagines), the reader is transported to a wonderful world where cobbled streets abound and horses are the mode of transportation - unless one is lucky enough to have a dragon for a friend.The book is peopled with eclectic and wonderful folk. Kira, our hero, is a girl of fifteen whose father Ifor is an eccentric intellectual. Kira's mother died when she was ten and she always considered she took care of him as much as he took care of her. But this kind and playful man has a secret past he has been keeping from her. Feisty and headstrong, when Ifor is arrested for breaking an old oath and sent off to a prison from which there is no escape, Kira decides she must do the impossible and get him released.Thus begins a captivating tale of suspense that features a villain who wants Ifor out of the way so he can become Lord High Councillor - and use wizardry for nefarious purposes. But the villain has not counted on friendships that transcend transgressions to the depth of putting themselves in danger; magical crystals; and a dragon who owes her life to Ifor.Ms Stewart has an innate talent for storytelling and her character development, prose and staging are exemplary. The settings are imaginative, the adventure takes the reader down paths that twist and turn - including one or two surprising ones we do not see coming.  The ending is strong. We care about what happens to these people and are left wanting to know more of the story.As with all good books, Ms Stewart's stories always have a message and Mark of the Dragon Queen is no exception. It is a story of trust and faith and honor and loyalty - and finding one's strength against great odds.The book can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. I look forward to reading a sequel.