Publisher: WaterBrook Press (June 22, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1578568234
ASIN: B003STCQOI
Warning: This is the first Christian fantasy book I ever found, and I found it by chance browsing at the local library, having no idea I had just found an author that would rival J.K. Rowling on my favorites list. How is that a warning? Dunno, just wanted to tell you how I discovered her. :) It was fate.
Kale is a fourteen year old o'rant girl who has lived her entire life as a slave in the country of Amara...until now. She is sent to live at the Hall in the large city of Vendela. But her journey is put on the back burner when Kale discovers she has an amazing gift that allows her to find dragon eggs. This gets her into trouble and she is rescued by Leetu Bends and Dar the doneel. Together the three set out to find an important dragon egg that must be found in order to keep it out of the enemies hands. Along the way they are joined by wizards, librarians, and many new dragon friends.
Kale hoped to be a servant rather than a slave but winds up with more than she bargained for. She is isn't particularly skilled at anything other than finding dragon eggs. So she doesn't come off as the perfect heroine and is easy to like. She becomes a hero reluctantly, knowing the dangers that many fantasy-book characters never even think of.
Dar easily becomes my favorite, as a doneel he is only four feet tall with dog-like features of fur, pointed ears and a beard. The distinct characters of his race make him charming and easy to love.
Leetu Bends is beautiful and a skilled warrior, but Kale is her first pupil and she makes some mistakes in her teaching ways.
Wizard Fenworth is lovable and the one character that will make you laugh out loud. I love the conversations he has with Librettowit, the librarian who gets dragged along.
The minor Dragons that are born throughout the book are charming and you have a hard time not sympathizing with the major Dragon, Celisse.
Paladin is like the father Kale never had. Although he only just met her he treats her like he has always known her.
My only real criticism is the climax, it seems a little too short. Instead of fighting our villian, Risto, we simply meet him and escape. But, looking back on the book, it makes sense. Kale hasn't yet learned to fight, only to tap into her mind speaking abilities and trust Wulder.
The strongest points are really the variety of original races, such as Doneels, O'rants, Emerlindians, and many more. Not to mention the unique monsters, plants, and even food. Daggart, anyone?
For creative characters, a detailed world, and a unique plot, I give "Dragonspell" four stars. ^__^
If you want to check out more of the DragonKeeper Series, go to Donita K. Paul's official website.
You can buy the book for a GREAT deal at Amazon.com
Next up, I'll be reviewing "Dragons in our Midst" by Brian Davis.
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