The Great Zoo of China

The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly   392 pages

It is a secret the Chinese government has been keeping for forty years. They have proven the existence of dragons—a landmark discovery no one could ever believe is real, and a scientific revelation that will amaze the world. Now the Chinese are ready to unveil their astonishing findings within the greatest zoo ever constructed. A small group of VIPs and journalists has been brought to the zoo deep within China to see these fabulous creatures for the first time. The visitors are assured by their Chinese hosts that they will be struck with wonder at these beasts, that the dragons are perfectly safe, and that nothing can go wrong. Of course it can't.

Does this sound familiar? That’s because as much as The Great Zoo of China tries to be something extraordinary, it is Jurassic Park with dragons. Simply changing the country, species, and purpose doesn't make the adventure any less predictable. Not one of the best novels I've read, but it was an easy to read, action-packed experience. This novel would be better appreciated by people who haven't read Jurassic Park. 

Posted by: Regina C.  

Beowulf

Beowulf by Santiago Garcia and David Rubin, 189 pages

This graphic adaptation of the epic poem generally avoids the banal postmodern revisionism of other adaptations, reducing the story down to the essential confrontations between four monsters - Grendel, his mother, a dragon, and the great Geat himself.  The art is stylized, the colors muddy, the overall effect undeniably ugly - which, however, both suits the brutal directness of the narrative and emphasizes the fleshy substance of the monsters, which are here portrayed not as elusive magic fairies but as viscerally real beasts, perhaps more real than some men.

His Majesty's Dragon

His Majesty's Dragon (Temeraire #1) by Naomi Novik     353 pages (listened to audiobook)

What if you wrote a book that was alternate history, where the Napoleonic Wars happened with aerial combat?  And that aerial combat was dragons?  You'd have a totally awesome series!!

The first time I read this book was with a book group. I admit, I didn't expect to like it much --- I mean, it sounded weird.  However, I completely enjoyed the first book, and read all the way through the series.  So this month, instead of re-reading the first book in the series, I tried the audiobook. 

I think the audiobook makes this book even better.  The man reading the book does a fantastic job --- voices for each character, and in a way that makes complete sense. You buy that of course there are dragons used in the aerial corps in the Napoleonic War. You completely buy that of course, dragons are intelligent and talk. Novik writes in such a way that you get pulled into the story and everything makes sense.  Read by Simon Vance, this book is immensely enjoyable.

 I've already grabbed the second book in the series as an audiobook to listen to ----- and unfortunately, will have to see out the rest, as our library doesn't have any other audiobooks of this series.

Here is summary, courtesy of Goodreads: 
Aerial combat brings a thrilling new dimension to the Napoleonic Wars as valiant warriors ride mighty fighting dragons, bred for size or speed. When HMS Reliant captures a French frigate and seizes the precious cargo, an unhatched dragon egg, fate sweeps Captain Will Laurence from his seafaring life into an uncertain future – and an unexpected kinship with a most extraordinary creature. Thrust into the rarified world of the Aerial Corps as master of the dragon Temeraire, he will face a crash course in the daring tactics of airborne battle. For as France’s own dragon-borne forces rally to breach British soil in Bonaparte’s boldest gambit, Laurence and Temeraire must soar into their own baptism of fire

THE MORTAL WORD

THE MORTAL WORD by Genevieve Cogman

433  pages

https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1423249116#

Reviewed by Rae C.

The fifth book in the Invisible Library series, and the best one so far!

There are multiple worlds, and in each there are different levels of technology (order, ruled by Dragons) and magic (chaos, ruled by The Fae).  Each earth has different versions of the same stories, reflecting the different development and history of that particular world. 

The Library exists at the center of all the worlds, and is outside of time.  By collecting the different versions of stories, the Library keeps the worlds bound together.  Also Librarians are able to speak The Language, and therefore in each world have a power different from either Fae or Dragon.  The Language is a pure command, the essence of all earth languages on all the different versions of earth. For example, if a Librarian commands water to boil in The Language, the water will boil.

There is an ongoing conflict between Dragon and Fae, and neither species can tolerate too much of the other. So Fae suffer in the order of Dragon worlds. And Dragons lose strength in chaotic Fae worlds filled with magic and Story.  (The Fae themselves are dominated by Story.  In fact, sometimes they are bound by the rules of the Story and/or their characters.  Both this book and The Masked City display this feature of Fae power.)

In this book there is a peace conference underway between Dragon and Fae, and the Librarians are officiating.  The main protagonist, Irene Winters, is currently Librarian in Residence in a world that is steampunk, and at roughly the 1920's in its timeline. One of her companions is a real life Sherlock Holmes, named Peregrine Vale.  (In some worlds Sherlock Holmes is not just a story.)  Her other companion is a Dragon Prince, Kai Strongrock.

All three of them are summoned to the top secret peace conference after a Dragon is murdered.  The conference and peace in all the worlds is in jeopardy.  Like the other four books, this is a great adventure, with "unguessable" twists and turns.  Cogman always has something up her sleeve!

I especially enjoyed the interim with Vale's POV.  This is the first time there has been a POV other than Irene's.  My understanding is this series grew partly out of the author's love of Sherlock Holmes (as well as Dungeons and Dragons), so to have Vale highlighted was a treat! In fact, Irene's name was chosen from Irene Adler in Conan Doyle's "Silk Stocking." Cogman did a good job of recreating a solid Sherlock Holmes in an unfamiliar world ruled by Fae and Dragons, and powered by ether.

The alternate Paris the story is set in retains all of the history of our worlds' Paris, and includes a very exciting scene in the Grand Guignol.  And the added spectacle of the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory, running the show.

Kind of sorry I finished it so fast because now it is another long year of waiting for book six!!!

Dealing with Dragons

Dealing With Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede     212 pages

Cimorene is everything a princess is not supposed to be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart - and bored. So bored that she runs away to live with a dragon - and finds the family and excitement she's been looking for.

I loved this book when I was a child. It was one of my favorite fantasy books. Listening to the audiobook, it's now one of my favorite audios! It has a full cast and all the voices are great. I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers or those who love a strong, bad-ass female character, especially one that breaks the mold (aka: not your typical princess). Cimorene is amazing and one of my favorite book characters of all time. Give the book a listen or read it, it's a great adventure story.

Dragons And Marshmallows

Dragons AndMarshmallows by Asia Citro, 96 pages

“A girl, Zoey, and her cat, Sassafras, use science experiments to help a dragon with a problem.” This is one of this spring’s Reading Pays books.  It’s perfect for 2^nd and 3^rd grade and I like that it has a science base.  It’s a very simple story but it’s cute and not too sweet.

Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows

Zoey & Sassafras: Dragons andMarshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay        96 pages

In this first book in the series, readers meet Zoey and her cat, Sassafras. Zoey seems to me to be approximately six or seven years old. She loves science and animals. She has a pair of Thinking Goggles that help her solve problems. Sassafras is her constant companion and BFF.

Zoey is a little worried about her mom going to a conference for a week. But in her mom’s office, she discovers a glowing photo of a purple frog! It turns out that since her mom was her age, magical creatures have been coming to their bar when they need help. Mom thought she was the only one who could see the frog, who talks and told her his name was Pip. But Zoey must have inherited her abilities as well as her curiosity and compassion.

After her mom tells her about the doorbell and what happens when it rings, Zoey and Sassafras are eager to get to work. When they answer, they see a “shimmery blue tail disappear into the forest.” Looking around, Zoey spots a green baby dragon who doesn’t feel well. She ascertains that because he breathes fire, he must be hungry. 

Using her journal and her Thinking Goggles, Zoey comes up with an experiment that should help the little creature, whom she ultimately names Marshmallow.

I like the science, the strong girl role, and the glossary in the back to help kids understand some of the terms used in the story. “Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages.”

Zoey & Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows receive 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

Flamecaster

Flamecaster by Chinda Williams Chima, 535 pages

“Adrian sul'Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic--and a thirst for revenge. Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now he's closer than ever to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. With time running out, Ash faces an excruciating choice: Can he use his powers not to save a life but to take it? Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told that the magemark on the back of her neck would make her a target. But when the King's Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any birth-based curse. Though Jenna doesn't know why she's being hunted, she knows that she can't get caught. Eventually, Ash's and Jenna's paths will collide in Arden. Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the ruthless king, they will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine.” I really liked this new series, maybe better than Chima’s other series.  I really liked the characters in this book and would probably recommend this as a starting point for her books.  This is a great choice for teens who like fantasy.

Golden Age and Other Stories

Golden Age and Other Stories by Naomi Novik, Hardback book: 180 pages

All of these stories are inspired by fan art and set in the world of the Temeraire series. The series is historical fantasy set in the early 1800s. Sentient dragons live alongside human but have been mostly treated as mere beasts.

My favorite stories were "Golden Age" and "Dragons and Decorum". "Golden Age" involves a group of dragons that through ignorance become pirates until a captain of the English Royal Navy comes along to educate them. "Dragons and Decorum" mixes the world of the Temeraire series with Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth Bennet is a captain of a dragon in the Aerial Corps which present obstacles for her relationship with Mr. Darcy. Some of the stories are drabbles - a story of a 100 words. I didn't like those.

Overall, I didn't love all the stories but it was worth reading for the ones I did like. I would recommend it to fans of the series.

Nimona

Nimonaby Noelle Stevenson, 266 pages

“Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel has been hailed by critics and fans alike as the arrival of a "superstar" talent (NPR.org). Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are. But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.”  This was a pretty good graphic novel.  I would highly recommend it to teens, especially girls who are looking for strong female characters.

Nickerbacher

 Nickerbacher by Terry John Barto     60 pages

I’ve ready many adaptions of Barto’s Nickerbacher. (BTW, I do not know him, he has reached out to me as a reviewer.) However, this version as an early chapter book is the best.

Nickerbacker is a dragon who doesn’t want breath fire, guard princesses or fight princes He wants to be a comedian. And there are upcoming auditions for The Late Knight in La La Land. Nickerbcker wants to go, and with Princess Gwendolyn’s encouragement, he agrees to talk to hi father one more time.

Papa believes his son is being grossly negligent, dragons were not made to be funny, but Nickerbacher has a dream. The next day Prince Happenstance, on behalf of the Princes Guild arrives to save Princess Gwendolyn. Since she doesn’t need saving, the prince agrees to chase them should they leave the Kingdome. The trio locks up the tower, and they take off on their grand adventure. As they learn about chasing dream, they also learn about each other.

The picture book, Nickerbacher the Funniest Dragon, was well done. However, as an early chapter book, it delves more deeply into the story.

An excellent read for children ages four to eight.

Nickerbacker receives 5 stars out of 5 in Julie’s world.

Dragonar Academy

Dragonar Academy 1-5 by Shiki Mizuhci, 964 pages (5 books)

Dragonar Academy is a school on the continent of Arc Strada. A school that teaches its students how to ride and tame their dragons. Unlike the classic dragon stories, where dragons hatch from eggs, here children are chosen by a “Mother Dragon” and eventually manifest in a semi grown up form. While most students seem to be progressing with their dragons, Ash is having problems. The first being his dragon has yet to manifest. And when she does finally appear she looks more like a girl than a dragon. Will Ash be able to control/tame Eco (what he named the dragon) or will her fiery spirit make him the servant?

I wasn’t sure what to make of Dragonar Academy for the first couple books. It seemed to have a good premise, and I liked the idea of dragon manifestation vs hatching, but I thought making the main dragon in the story a young girl with horns odd. It leads to some weird ecchi moments and some overdone innuendos about how dragon trainers are supposed to be able to ride their dragon. I can see how this would appeal to the teen market I am sure this manga is aimed at, but come on.

Overall though it is not a bad series. While it has its flaws, I think it serves the purpose of a not too serious manga. If you don’t feel like you want to read it though apparently there is an anime series .

League of Dragons

League of Dragons by Naomi Novik.  380 pages.

This is the ninth (and final) book in the Temeraire series, which is an alternate history series combining the Napoleonic Wars with dragons.  Yes, that may sound odd -- it did to me when I picked up the first book in the series to read with a book group.  However, I found myself enjoying the book, and then went on to read the rest in the series. Novik has a strong background in history, and combined with her skilled storytelling, the books totally make sense.  What I mean is, it's easy to imagine this kind of setting, where the forces have dragons to aid in fighting.

In this last novel in the series, we're at the end of Napoleon's campaign in Russia.  Napoleon has been denied a victory, but at the price of many lives (both human and dragon).  Laurence and Temeraire pursue the fleeing French army, only to determine that not only has Napoleon made it back to Paris unscathed, but that the French have stolen Temerarie and Iskierka's egg.

So, reading my summary, I can see where it wouldn't make a lot of sense.  This is definitely a series where you need to begin with the first book, because not only are things explained, but this is a series which has a definite timeline. You finish one book and the next one begins pretty close in time to where the previous book left off.   So, if this kind of a story sounds interesting, I would suggest beginning with the first book, His Majesty's Dragon.  

Fool’s Fate

Fool’s Fate by Robin Hobb, 631 pages

“The acclaimed Tawny Man trilogy from the heralded writer of epic fantasy comes to its thrilling conclusion as the fate of FitzChivalry Farseer is finally revealed.”  I think that these books just got better and better, actually.  I highly recommend this series, and all of her books, really, to anyone who likes fantasy.

Sigurd the Volsung

The Story of Sigurd the Volsung and the Fall of the Nibelungs by William Morris, 345 pages

Now famed more for his contribution to the visual arts than for his poetry, among the notable literary works of William Morris is this adaption of the Volsunga saga into English verse.  Morris was fascinated by Norse myth and legend and had already completed translations of a number of Icelandic sagas before beginning this work, which was contemporaneous with but independent of Wagner's operas.

The poetry is deliberately archaic, not only in language, but in rhyme and meter - it is often easy to forget that it is an original work based on classical sources, and not a direct attempt at translation.  The obvious comparison is with Tennyson's Idylls of the King, and the fact that Morris' work can hold up to that comparison is testament to its quality and power.

     Ye have heard of Sigurd aforetime, how the foes of God he slew;

     How forth from the darksome desert the Gold of the Waters he drew;

     How he wakened Love on the Mountain, and wakened Brynhild the Bright;

     And dwelt upon Earth for a season, and shone in all men's sight.

     Ye have heard of the Cloudy People, and the dimming of the day,

     And the latter world's confusion, and Sigurd gone away;

     Now ye know of the Need of the Niblungs and the end of broken troth,

     All the death of kings and of kindreds and the sorrow of Odin the Goth.

The Hobbit

The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again by JRR Tolkien, 317 pages

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit..." named Bilbo Baggins, and he had a magical adventure in which he traveled with dwarves and a wizard, eluded trolls and goblins, riddled with Gollum and Smaug, found a magic ring, dined with elves and a bear-man, and persevered through sheer heroic decency.

Rereading The Hobbit, two things are remembered: the writing is approachable, plain, and unpretentious, and the book is very funny.  Neither of these qualities are possessed by The Lord of the Rings, although the trilogy has other, greater virtues.

Nickerbacher The Funniest Dragon

Nickerbacher The Funniest Dragon by Terry John Barto, Illustrated by Kim Sponaugle  34 pages

We all know what dragons to for a living. They protect princesses. And Nickerbacher does that…mostly because his Papa says he must. But Nickerbacher has dreams other than breathing fire and guarding princesses. He longs to be a stand-up comedian.

When Prince Happenstance comes to court Princess Gwendolyn, both Nickerbacher and the Prince learn a few things about chasing your dreams.

 

Excellent children's book.

The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion: The Myths and Legends of Middle-Earth by JRR Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien, 304 pages

This the book that JRR Tolkien spent most of his life trying to write and never quite finished.  Begun during the First World War, the stories were written and rewritten over and over again until the author's death in 1973, layers building upon layers like a Monet lily-pond.  The story of the composition of the material included in The Silmarillion takes up the better part of the 12 volume History of Middle Earth.  It is doubtful it ever would have been published had Tolkien not half-heartedly decided to use some of the names in a children's book he wrote called The Hobbit and its somewhat larger sequel.  As it is, it was cobbled together by his son Christopher for posthumous publication.

The Silmarillion begins with the creation of the world and an enumeration of the powerful spiritual beings who shape and guide it, for good or ill.  This is the section most likely to cause readers to simply give up on the book.  It continues with the tale of the Silmarils, their creation by the elf-lord Feanor, their theft by Morgoth the Enemy, the awful oath of the sons of Feanor, and the long war between the elves and Morgoth.  This section includes some of the most beloved tales of the Tolkien legendarium - the romance of Beren and Luthien, the tragedy of Turin Turambar, and the adventure of Earendil.  The book continues with the tale of the rise and fall of the island kingdom of Numenor, and concludes with an account of the forging of the Rings of Power.

Poetically digressive, light on character, and lacking a central plot, this is not for everyone, certainly.  Casual fans of Tolkien will undoubtedly struggle, fans of the movies should definitely start with the books the movies were based on, and chronological order be damned.  The Silmarillion should be recognized as what it is, however - not merely fantastic but truly magical, deeply humane, the greatest work by perhaps the greatest author of the twentieth century.

Shadow Scale

Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman
596 Pages

The sequel to Seraphina has the main character traveling throughout the land trying to enlist other like her who are half dragon, half human or ityasaari.  However her efforts are being stymied by Jannoula, another half-breed who is able to control the minds of the ityasaari.  Seraphina must find a way to defeat Jannoula and save her Uncle Orma from being brainwiped. 

A satisfying sequel but you aren't sure it is going to wrap up until the last 50 pages.

Voyage of the Basilik

Voyageof the Basilisk by Marie Brennan
348 Pages

"Six years after her perilous exploits in Eriga, Isabella embarks on her most ambitious expedition yet: a two-year trip around the world to study all manner of dragons in every place they might be found. From feathered serpents sunning themselves in the ruins of a fallen civilization to the mighty sea serpents of the tropics, these creatures are a source of both endless fascination and frequent peril. Accompanying her is not only her young son, Jake, but a chivalrous foreign archaeologist whose interests converge with Isabella's in ways both professional and personal. Science is, of course, the primary objective of the voyage, but Isabella's life is rarely so simple. She must cope with storms, shipwrecks, intrigue, and warfare, even as she makes a discovery that offers a revolutionary new insight into the ancient history of dragons."


This is the third book of the Lady Trent series and Brennan has create a world that is like between 19th Century England with dragons.  Interspersed in the book are some illustrations drawn by Brennan as well.  Overall a very imaginative series.