Books by Donita K. Paul
Author: Donita K. Paul
Title: Dragonspell, and Dragonquest
Blurb: "After 14 years as a slave girl in the village of River Away, Kale is free, because of a dragon's egg. Since she found it, the village elders have decided that she must present herself and the egg to the great wizards of the walled city of Vendela. Her journey is interrupted first by attacking ogres, then by a detour into a cave that hides seven more dragon eggs, and finally by a daring escape aided by dragon-riding rescuers who become Kale's guides, tutors, and closest cohorts on her travels."
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The books are written for an audience of grade 4-8 (according to the blurb on Amazon.com). I found them by accident really, and have to admit that once I started reading, I just could not put the book down.
As I began, I found myself comparing the elements to a similar fantasy setting of D&D, but that didn't last long. The author presents a wonderful, unique fantasy world with its own races (both good and evil races), its own plants, its own fruits ... even the magic users were entirely unique. The characters are endearing, hilarious and frustrating ... it is not difficult to become engrossed in the emotions of the characters. The comedy of the story is enough to make you laugh out loud (who can help but laugh at the fainting dragon).
There are two other books by the same author and in the same world (DragonKnight and DragonFire which is scheduled for release in July 2007) but I have not read them yet. As with C.S. Lewis' Narnia series, there are Christian themes and messages but it is definitely not overbearing.
DragonKnight
I just happened upon this review. Thanks for the kind words. I am constantly amazed at who reads the Dragon Keeper Chronicles. I am surprised by email notes from soldiers in Iraq, a missionary in Bogata, Columbia, fathers who have read the books to their kids. It is all very gratifying and helps spur me on to write the next book. I'm on DragonLight and it will be the last of this series.
I have to admit I am not much of a gamer, but I provided food for years as my son is a gamer. Now he and his wife continue enjoying a weekly event and now she has to make the goodies.