SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY
Yorsh is a young elf who knows nothing of the real world. However, he meets a young man and woman who try their best to keep him out of trouble. Chaos and hilarity ensue. Along the way he meets a dragon and ends up being his caretaker. But Yorsh knows he cannot live alone in a cave forever. So he sets off to find his old friends, and a wife. He ends up meeting a young girl named Robi, who lives in an orphanage. Her life is forever changed when she is accused of being a witch and sent to die. But Yorsh won't let that happen.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Yorsh the main character of the first part of the story. He is an elf and has a happy-go-lucky, whimsical nature. Being one that was born lately, he doesn't quite comprehend the danger he gets in. He knows nothing of people, and has a habit of talking too much. Also, he can be quite dramatic, his emotions changing fast and being prone to outbursts.
Sarja is the women who first comes across Yorsh. She finds him amusing but troubling. Eventually she comes to care for him through his kind actions.
Monser is the hunter who comes across Sarja and Yorsh, and feels inexplicably drawn towards them. He, like Sarja, finds Yorsh amusing but sometimes annoying. He is blunt and rather sarcastic at times.
Robi is the daughter of Sarja and Monser. She lives on the dream that a dragon and a boy are going to save her but tells no one. She is kind and somewhat of a leader among the children of the orphanage she lives in. She has mastered the art of stealing in order to feed herself and others.
Erbrow is the dragon that Yorsh has helped raise. He is condescending, arrogant, and yet somehow charming. He complains often, and boasts of his greatness even more so. Although he seems self-absorbed, it is obvious he cares about Yorsh, as he accompanies the elf on his travels to help him find Sarja and Monser.
FORESHADOWING
Robi mentions the dream of a dragon saving her. It isn't revealed until much later that this is much more than a dream. And that Robi has a special role to play. There is a prophecy that Yorsh learns of in the first part, but it's not quite as simple as it seems. Especially since he didn't get to read the ending of it.
PACING
The book is in large part, a comedy. As such, there are long dialogues, and bouts of exposition, where we learn about Yorsh's day to day life, or simply realize just how odd he is. There are scenes of great excitement and chaos, for instance when Yorsh flies over the orphanage for the first time, but they are not the norm. Not that the book feels slow in any way, all of the scenes are used to push the story forward. It's just not an action/adventure novel.
THE MOOD/THEME
The book may cover serious issues, like racism, but it does so with a light touch and a surprisingly funny way. Yorsh never mopes around thinking that humans are evil and he is a victim. He never seeks revenge. He may think that humans are stupid but he does so in a naive and amusing way that makes you laugh. That's because there is no malice behind his beliefs.
The first half of the book had me laughing out loud, something I rarely ever do when reading. De Mari uses Yorsh's naivete and youth to get him into so much trouble. She isn't just a funny writer, I would say she is clever too, thinking of how Yorsh can mix up words and titles, and using his unique perspective to cause hilarious scenes.
OUR VILLAINS
The story doesn't have classical villains, not ones that we fight against, physically. The two owners of the orphanage are obnoxious and abusive, but they are far too comical to be considered a real threat. At least not to Yorsh. Although we do get a classic villain that leads us to a climax, he isn't introduced until near the end of the book. We don't learn quite enough about him except he seems insane. The story does not suffer for it, as much of the trouble in the first part is because humans don't like elves, and that Yorsh makes such a mess. And most of the trouble in the second part comes from Yorsh's search for Monser and Sarja, and his rescue of Robi.
MONSER & SARJA
Although I found the two characters likable enough, they were outshined by Yorsh. They weren't exactly distinct characters. Although both seemed to be intelligent, and have common sense, that really only stood out in juxtaposition to Yorsh. And although the characters are likable, it's mainly there caring for Yorsh that makes them so.
CONCLUSION
De Mari paints an original story, with humor and charm that is indelible. Her two main characters are likable, flawed, and develop into admirable heroes. They also have a sweet, innocent romance that is surprsing since their relationship starts out a bit rocky. I give “The Last Dragon” four stars.
What do you think? Did you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any points? Please let me know!
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