Book Review: Dragonspell

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Dragonspell     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Donita K. Paul
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Dragons
Waterbrook, May 2004, $12.99

The Dragon Egg seeks a champion to rescue it from the malevolent wizard Risto, who plans to use the essence inside to create a nightmarish species loyal only to him that will populate the earth and destroy all others. The dragon egg selects fourteen-year-old female slave Kale as the savior.

Though feeling afraid and inadequate for such a momentous undertaking because she knows that to succeed she will have to confront Risto in his environs, Kale reluctantly, but telepathically encouraged by the being who chose her, begins her dangerous trek. The “knowing” Lord Paladin sends servants, an Emerlinden woman Leetu and Dar the Doneel to accompany Kale. They explain that Paladin somehow knows about her undertaking and insists she must start on the quest by obtaining the help and guidance of the Wizard Fenworth. The journey at all times will be fraught with enemies who will do anything to stop the group.

This coming of age youthful innocence vs. evil fantasy will hook teens and adults due to the fully developed key cast members. Readers will root for Kale even as we will laugh at some of the conversations between her and the dragon egg and between her companions. Genre fans will believe in the magic of wizards, the telepathic communication abilities of dragons and that species like Emerlinden and Doneel exist. With terrific characterization inside a tremendous story line, Donita K. Paul obviously used a dragon’s egg to cast a spell on the audience.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

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