Dragonquest by Donita K. Paul Published by: Water Brook Press (2005) 349 pages Rating: 8/10 Buy it Now:    Also by Donita K. Paul: Dragonspell Dragonknight Dragonfire Dragonlight

I'm noticing a trend among some publishers: avoiding a series title. Dragonquest is clearly the second book in a series planned by Donita K. Paul, and there are clearly more stories to be told, but the publisher has chosen not to market it that way. In fact, Dragonquest isn't even identified as the sequel to Dragonspell on its cover! I'm assuming this is a financial decision; i.e., if the books do not sell well, the publisher is not committing to continuing the series. I understand it, but I can't say I'm very fond of it. Since it's not made clear that the two books are connected, someone might purchase Dragonquest and be very, very confused.

Don't get me wrong. This is an excellent fantasy novel. But it is clearly the second book in this series and if you haven't read the previous book, you're going to be somewhat lost when "old friends" reappear in the storyline. While delightful, Dragonquest is not the most accessible of books for new readers.

Part of that lies in the decision by the writer to eschew "traditional" fantasy races (elves, dwarves, etc.) and create her own set of races for her own world. It definitely sets these books apart from many other fantasies and shows a wonderful imagination. But it also can lead to confusion. Fortunately, a handy glossary is included in the back. Even though I'd read and enjoyed the first book, I found myself frequently accessing the glossary to look up unfamiliar or forgotten words.

In this new volume, the heroine of Dragonspell, Kale the Dragon Keeper, is now in training at The Hall as a servant of Paladin. But she is summoned by Wizard Fenworth to be his apprentice and help take care of the newly-hatched meech dragon, who turns out to be quite a bit different from what Kale was expecting. Accompanied by her minor dragons and other companions, Kale accepts the challenge. At the same time, a new plot by the evil Wizard Risto is uncovered. Risto has found another meech dragon and is using it to take control of the other dragons in the land. A new army must be assembled to defeat Risto, but secrets of Kale's own past are about to be revealed at the same time.

Both of the, uh, dragon books are written in a style that is accessible to both children and adults. It's a complicated balance to attain, and Donita Paul has done an admirable job of it. Once a reader gets used to the unfamiliar names and terms, the story flows quickly and smoothly. Filled with suspenseful danger, spiritual insights and chuckle-inducing humor, Dragonquest has delightful characters that will appeal to younger readers, while also containing deeper themes that will appeal to adults. Recommended.