Ancient, Strange, and Lovely (The Dragon Chronicles)
Gr 7-10–This book offers a wondrous mix of dystopic science fiction and magical fantasy. Bryn is grieving the loss of both of her parents. Her mother disappeared on a scientific mission and her father went to look for her. She and her younger sister are living with their aunt and coping as best they can. Then, one of the boxes sent by her mother before she disappeared turns out to have a dragon egg in it. Bryn isn't sure what it is at first, just that she doesn't want scientists to dissect it and destroy it. She ends up having to run away to where it all began in Alaska, where her mother disappeared. Can she outrun poachers, scientists, and other nefarious characters and find a safe place for the baby dragon? Fletcher has done an outstanding job of creating a believable place and space for this story to unfold. The plot flows smoothly and quickly with a lot of action. Bryn is multidimensional and realistically developed as are many of the minor characters. Room is left at the end for a sequel, but readers aren't left hanging. All in all, this is an engrossing and imaginative read that will appeal particularly to fans of Robin McKinley or Anne McCaffrey.Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ© Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.