"The Candlestone" by Bryan Davis

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Living Ink Books (September 25, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0899571719
ISBN-13: 978-0899571713

In the sequel to "Raising Dragons", Bonnie is just about to have her adoption finalized by Walter's parents when her father shows up, claiming that her mother is still alive. Reluctantly, Bonnie returns to Minnesota with him. Meanwhile, Billy and company discover a death certificate for Bonnie's mom and head to bring her back home. Then Bonnie trusts her dad and tries to rescue her mom from a candlestone, only to become trapped inside it herself.

As for our new characters...
Ashely, is a teenage genius hired by Bonnie's dad. She envies Bonnie for her faith but doesn't trust anything she can't see for herself. She is completely motivated by saving her own dad from his failing health.
Karen, the oldest of the girls living at the lab, is probably one of favorite characters. I love the banter between her and Walter. She shares the same sense of humor as he does.
Bonnie's dad is actually hard to figure out. One moment you are sure he is a villain and the next you think he might actually care about his daughter. The suspicion involving him is drawn out well.

The scientific notes about the lab are interesting and give the story a sci-fi feel. They keep the story from feeling cheesy. I mean, turning yourself into light and traveling inside a stone? Sounds, unbelievable, but the author makes it seem real.
This story is just as fast paced as the first, but we see some real character development, mainly in Billy, as he decides what he truly believes in. But *cough* it comes about in an odd way...

The criticism I have first of all, is an aspect of Bonnie's character.  Billy reads her journal where she spouts words like a veteran poet. The flowery writing made me grimace. No one talks that way. No one writes that way. It just sounded unnatural.
My second, *spoiler alert* is when Billy kills a man who kidnaps him. He does it from behind, even after having read a prophecy that says only cowards kill from behind. So he should have waited until the man turned around and shot him? Billy protected himself and the others the wisest way he knew how.
Try this: Billy remembers the rule, gets shot, has to be taken to the hospital and never saves Bonnie. The end. God isn't a magic genie who will make a bullet vanish, and sometimes you have to do unsavory things. Like taking a life at all.
I think the author was trying to get Billy to learn that Christians don't live their lives like other people and wanted to do it in a dramatic fashion that wasn't preachy. -_-; But it came off more like a useless code of honor that could get people killed.

Even after my ranting I still believe it is a very original plot for the sequal to "Rising Dragons", so three stars.

If you want to me find out more about Bryan Davis and his many books, see his website.

You can buy the book at Amazon.com.

Next up, I'll review, "Dragonknight" By Donita. K. Paul

"Raising Dragons" By Bryan Davis

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Living Ink Books (June 25, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0899571700
ISBN-13: 978-0899571706

Billy Bannister has always had problems, mainly his hot breath that has gotten him the nickname "Dragon breath" at school. But his breath is the least of his problems when Billy learns his father is a dragon, making him one too. Not to mention his principal is actually a slayer, determined to kill both Billy and his dad. Along the way, Billy learns that the new girl at school, Bonnie Silver, is actually a dragon too. They flee together on a plane only to have Bonnie kidnapped and the plane destroyed, with only Billy and his mom surviving. Billy heads out to prove his dad is alive and save Bonnie.

Billy is your average teenager, just concerned with fitting in and staying out of trouble. His reactions to the events around him are what make him realistic. He is doubtful of his abilities and even his own father. He has little to no relationship with God.
Bonnie has an amazingly pure heart, which is a miracle considering how she has had such a hard life as an orphan. My only complaint is that her perfection becomes a little jarring at times. She is the perfect christian girl we all want to be and in the scene where she prays and recites scripture like a poet made me wince. But other than that part, she seems real and it's hard not to feel for her.
Walter is the most likable character. He says the silliest things that make you laugh out loud. I think he made the book. :)
Mr. Hamilton, is Billy's history teacher who becomes something of a mentor to all three young heroes. He is slightly eccentric but lovable in his knowledge and bravery.
Mr. Whittier makes a convincing villain as he truly believes he is in the right, and must destroy all of the remaining dragons.

There really isn't any weak points in the first of this series. Later on, it's easier to criticize the characters. But in book one they are fresh and enjoyable.
Having Merlin as a prophet rather than a wizard is a unique twist and believable since the tales surrounding him and Camelot are shrouded in mystery.

I give it four stars, for a very original story full of detail. ^__^

To see more of Bryan Davis's many books, check out his homepage.

You can buy his book at Amazon.com

Next up, I'll review "Dragonquest" by Donita K. Paul