Book Review: "Dragon's Milk" by Susan Fletcher

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When Kaeldra's little sister gets ill with the vermillion fever she is sent to find the only cure—dragon's milk. When she finds the dragon, she barters for the milk by promising to watch the dragon's babies for her. She does this every month for a long period of time until her sister is completely cured. But trouble brews when Jeorg arrives, a dragon slayer. Eventually Kaeldra has to take the dragons and run. But she is hunted and doesn't know who she can trust.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Kaeldra is the adopted daugter of Ryfenn. She thinks if she were blood, than maybe her stepmother would love her. Kaeldra is not like others of her race, having curly blonde hair, while other have straight black hair. She is also tall and gangly, taller then even many men. She is not bold, but rather shy and self-conscious. Although terrified, she still goes to find the dragon milk for Lyf. Granmyrr has to encourage her when she is too afraid to protect the draclings.

Jeorg is the young man part of a dragon slayer council. He is friendly and charming and is quickly endeared to the younger sisters. Kaeldra runs into him on her travels but doesn't think she can trust him.

Synge, Pyro, and Embyr are the dragons that Kaeldra grows close to. Their characteristics are similar to cats the way they curls up and lay on her and thrum, like purring. Also they are like dogs the way they are so enthusiastic and playful. They are protective of Kaeldra and would kill to keep her safe. They can communicate telepathically with her and she with them.

Fiora is the mother of the draclings. She has no love for humans, and threatens to find and kill Kaeldra if she does not keep her word and watch the draclings. She is blunt, harsh and skeptical of Kaeldra, often laughing at her.

Granmyr is much more like a mother to Kaeldra than her stepmother. She has the ability to work small magic and see where dragons are through the use of clay.

PACING

The pacing is decent although it's not until chapter three that Kaeldra learns that her sister is ill. Only after that does she go to find the dragon. The pacing is slower in the first ten chapters of the book. But Fletcher uses the time before to establish not just the problem but frame us a solution. She also clearly shows us who our main character is. And she gives us seven chapters for Kaeldra, as well as the reader to learn about and bond with the draclings. She also creates suspense and tension with Jeorg and Kaeldra. From there the story's structure goes more from action to suspense and back again.

When Kaeldra has to flee the story really takes off. When she isn't all out running from someone she is often hiding, or wondering who she can trust. The book balances action with suspense well.

STRUCTURE

There are 26 chapters in the book, and the first part of the story we introduce our main character, her first problem, and how to solve it. After she solves it she gets another problem, and has to flee.

The middle portion is mostly Kara on the run. It ends with her being taken away from her goal but eventually succeeding. From there the climax starts.

I think the story is balanced well. The beginning portion is long enough to get to know our main characters but short enough not to impede on the action of the plot.

FORESHADOWING

Kaeldra hears a scream at night that wakes her, but only her and Granmyrr notice it. This gives hints that Kaeldra has gifts we don't yet know of. Granmyrr has the ability to use clay to show hints of the future. She shows Kaeldra dragon eggs hatching. Jeorg reveals important information about the dragons that comes into play at the climax.

AN ATTACK -SPOILERS

There is a scene where Kaeldra senses that wolves are attacking the draclings. She goes to protect them and does so by throwing rocks at them. I don't think rocks would deter wolves. Fletcher vaguely references many large birds attacking the wolves and bothering them. So I gather that's what really put them off, but this isn't mentioned until they back off. I know if I threw a rock and hit even a half-grown wolf, it would probably just pull my throat out. This is just one small scene but I took note of it after rereading the story.

THE CLIMAX

My only criticism is near the climax, it's quite obvious that something is wrong and that Kaeldra is being deceived about something. And she seems to know it, but she naively ignores these suspicions. I was screaming the whole time, you know this isn't right! I think she should have matured enough to go with her gut. It was important that this bad event happened, but I thought there might have been a better way. Maybe tricking the reader somehow to believe it.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

Kaeldra meets a man who own an apothecary, he admits that he has cheated on his wife and has a few kids on the side.

CONCLUSION

Fletcher creates a fast paced story that's original and has a likable main character. I give “Dragon's Milk” four stars.

What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!