Book Review: "Flight of the Dragon Kyn" by Susan Fletcher

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Before Kaeldra there was the girl of legend, the green-eyed Kara. After she was abandoned in a cave as a baby, thought dead, she was revived. And now she has the ability to call birds. When the king's men arrive, Kara is forced to leave for an unknown task. While at the castle Kara is given a white falcon named Skava, and learns how to communicate better with birds with the help of a man named Corwyn. But then she is summoned and is tasked to call the dragons so they can be slayed.

OUR CAST OF CHARACTERS

Kara is rebellious, calling down birds when she goes of alone to not bother others. She is much more bold and assertive than Kaeldra was. She adores birds and quickly bonds with Skava. Originally, she wants to go home, then she daydreams of being a hero. However, when she makes a horrible mistake, her convictions lead her to risk her own life.

Kazan is a trader of birds and a traveler who can build ships. Kara believes he would use her gift to his advantage to make money. Because of this, their relationship is stalled throughout the first half of the book. Although he spends time with Corwyn and his daughter, as well as her in the mew. He tries various times to befriend her but Kara doesn't want to like him.

Corwyn is rather strict and intimidating at first but eventually reveals a softer side. He adores his only daughter, Myrra and teaches Kara how he trains the falcons.

King Orrik is stubborn and fierce. He and his younger brother, Prince Rog, do not seem to get along.

Prince Rog is the one who comes to get Kara. He doesn't treat her with respect, and upon arriving he openly shows his disbelief at her abilities. He often argues with his sister, Gudjen and his older brother, the king.

Gudjen is the King's sister. She is bold and dramatic, and sometimes manipulative. But it is she who allows Kara to spend her time with the falcon. She often comes to Kara's defense.

PACING

There is only one chapter before Kara has to leave home. She spends the first portion of the book merely in the king's home and that time is slower. Similar to the first book, it's after chapter ten that the story picks up and the suspense and action increases. After a short portion of slower pacing, we get back to speed with the beginning of the climax.

STRUCTURE

Similar to the first book in this series, the first portion of the book is used to introduce Kara's character as well as to makes friends with Corwyn, Rath, Myrrah and Skava. These relationships are created and key to later in the book. The second portion goes from suspense to action and back to suspense. Kara comes to a realization that changes everything. She attempts to change her fate but gets herself in more trouble. After some time she has to return to where she started, at the king's castle. From there the climax starts.

FORESHADOWING

Gudjen takes Kara to the bath house and uses steam to foretell of dragons and a mountain, similar to the way Granmyrr used clay. Kara see's the mountains and the dragons later, but notes this doesn't seem like her vision. She sees a second vision, that references back to the first book.

Also, Kara learns that she can not only make birds come, but direct them to go. This is important much later in the book.

FLASHBACKS

In Chapter four, Kara explains the story about her and tells a story of when she first learned others could not call birds. It's a short story that gives us insight into her character and doesn't distract us from the present.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

Prince Rog gets in an argument with his brother where he says he would already have Signy and be bedding her every night.

CONCLUSION

Kara is likable because of her boldness to stand up to a bully like Rog, as well as her convictions after she realizes she makes a terrible mistake. The story is well paced and original. I give “Flight of the Dragon Kyn” four stars.

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