Bryan Davis

This is a combination review for Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire as the last time I read this series was at least 10 years ago.

My mom got me the entire series (Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire) when I was in elementary school and let me tell you I loved this series. I reread it multiple times and is the reason why Psalm 23 is my favorite psalms (and tbh the only one I remember). While I might not go to church anymore, this series holds a special place in my heart. Solid blend of fantasy and Christianity without overdoing either side.… (mer)

Billy's nickname at school is "dragon breath," and with good reason - his breath is really hot! He doesn't understand why until his parents tell him that his father is a full dragon and he is a half-dragon. He's not at all happy that they've kept this from him his entire life, but he's forced to deal with it when he's attacked by his principal. His father tells him the tale of King Arthur and Merlin and how dragon slayers almost wiped out all of his kind, and how and why he is now a human. He also shares with him a prophecy that is going to end up reshaping Billy's life. He meets the new girl in school, Bonnie, and discovers that she, too, is a half-dragon, although she has known for years, so at least he's not alone.

This was a good middle grade blend of fantasy and Christian fiction. This book does a good job of blending dragon tales with Christian teachings, without overdoing it. I liked the kids and thought the way they acted was pretty much the way most young teens act in real life. The blending of all of this with the Arthurian legend was a good move on the author's part. I thought it added a great layer to the story.

The only problem I had with this book was the level of violence against the kids. I thought it was a bit graphic for a book targeted at a younger audience.

All in all, I enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series.

4.5/5 stars.

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, AMG Publishers, Living Ink Books, and Bryan Davis for the opportunity to read and review this book.… (mer)

…” This morning might hold my last chance to escape execution.” What? Ok, that has my attention. Megan Willis is a strong, determined soul, caught in an impossible situation. She is willing to do what it takes to be reunited with her mother.
She has seen horrors, not even grownups have witnessed. (Like trafficking of human children, and villains that are doing experiments on kids. It was not a graphic discussion, just mentioned.) Megan races against time, because today could be her last.

The stakes are high, Megan is forced to make hard choices in doing what she believes is right. Things have changed and shift into high gear facing challenge, after crazy challenge. I appreciated how the author showed this young one’s inner struggle with “kill or be killed.” Life was a gift. Does there have to be killing? Could things be handled another way? Do the ends justify the means for the greater good?

The author is brilliant and imaginative as he does a beautiful job of taking readers on a fast-paced adventure that has themes of compassion, forgiveness, family, and shows how they are learning what is right and/or wrong for themselves. I like what the author said about love, and strong family bonds with people God puts in our path and those connected to us by blood. I enjoyed how Megan learns about real love, …” Real love sacrifices. It shows mercy. It heals. “

There is a plethora of evil villains out to get Megan and her team. They can’t run away from them fast enough. I could visualize the Star Wars/Star Trek feel of this space opera, I mean going places they’ve never been before, and meeting all types of creatures with a variety of languages being spoken. I adored the authors’ well-timed humor in some heavy situations. It was fun to see kids could just be kids when they had a chance to. I loved seeing this story played out through children and what they learned & watched their parents do. They don’t do everything exactly as their parents would, because they see things differently now that they had to make hard choices.

This is a wonderful, fascinating, absorbing summer read. It’s a fun escape and one that would work well for your next book club pick. I hardly noticed how long this book was, I was caught up in the adventure, and couldn’t put it down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher/NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/… (mer)