SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
After discovering the long-lost love of Grassina, Emma and Eadric are on a quest to get all the ingredients to a potion that will change him back. This quest takes them to a magical market, inside a fish bowl that hides an ocean and a mermaid who lives in a castle, and the dragon Olympics. But magic is goofing up again, and whenever Emma sneezes her and Eadric turn back into frogs. This may be a problem, especially when facing a giant spider or returning to humans, when Dragons consider them enemies. Not to mention Prince Jorge's father is invading the kingdom, and Grassina, the green witch, is too distracted to help defend Greensward.
RETURNING CHARACTERS
Emma is now a witch like her aunt, and she is eagerly learning new skills everyday. But she still has problems with her magic and doubts about her abilities. When unforeseen events lead to Emma being the only witch who can protect her kingdom, she has to take charge in a way she never has: going into battle.
But the adults around her are not all useless, as in the first part of the book, it's Grassina who confronts the man who entrapped the old witches. This is important, as it's Emma and Eadric who gather all of the items for the potion later. And when Emma takes over in the climax, it is a sharp contrast from the girl in the first part of the story.
Eadric is the same, still asking for a kiss at the oddest moments. There is some tension between him and Emma with regards to her magic and the mistakes she makes that affect him. And when they meet a room full of mermaids, Eadric's attention is taken which annoys Emma. Basically, they have their first real fight.
Grassina is completely immersed in turning Haywood back into a man and in finding him after his disappearance. There is some explaining about the relationship between her and Chartreuses which explains why Emma and her mother have a difficult relationship. Although she seems rather two dimensional when it comes to her love, near the end she reveals doubts about Haywood and if he will still love her, since so much time has passed.
NEW CHARACTERS
Ralph is a young dragon that Emma and Eadric rescue. He is not as biased against humans as older dragons and is impressed when he witnesses them turn into frogs. He is key in helping Emma get two ingredients.
Nastia is the sea witch who is the mother of Pearl. She is angry, violent and demanding, and amusing. The arguments between her and Pearl are funny. Baker reminds us that this a childrens' story, and we shouldn't take things too seriously.
Olivene, Emma's Grandmother is nasty but comical, constantly getting Haywood's name wrong and making trouble. Sometime she acts more like a rebellious teenager than a senior.
Grandfather is a ghost but still loves his daughter deeply, as well as who his wife used to be. He is also not afraid of her and often comes to the defense of Emma when Olivene shows up and bullies her. It is explained he was not in the first book because he was at the council of ghosts. (Note: this book takes place one day after the first one.)
Shelton is a chatterbox crab that hooks a ride with Emma when he sees her as a frog turn into a human. He can be annoying or amusing but serves a specific purpose in the story.
Queen Chartreuse is her usual disagreeable self. She seems to think since Eadric was alone with Emma, her honor has been sullied. She eventually agrees they should marry, but doesn't think Eadric will wait long. She manages to get in more than a few barbs about Emma.
PACING
The pacing is similar to the first book. There is event that carries the majority of the book, but it doesn't happen until they confront Emma's Grandmother, eight chapters in. And the second event not until chapter nine. Before then, there is only one action scene but mostly it is spent exploring an island and finding one man. So it is rather a relaxed pace. But after reading book one, this should be no surprise.
MOOD
Again, the mood is light-hearted and funny at times, unless we are in an action or climax scene. I laughed at the homes that the retired witches had, and the story of the witch killed by children. As well as the rambling of Shelton and the relationship between the mermaid Pearl and her mother. Not to mention Eadric's new sword.
FORESHADOWING
There is a mentioning of a tapestry in Grassina's room that has a part in the third book in the series. Emma gets a few items for the journey: a piece of string, a candle stub and a piece of square cloth. She ends up using the candle in this book, and the string in the next.
CONCLUSION
We get to explore more of Emma's world, with magic carpets, secret portals, giant spiders and dragons. There's a lot to see and I give “Dragon's Breath” four stars.
What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!
No comments:
Post a Comment