Dragonspell

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Summary: Enchanting New Christian Fantasy
Review: My goodness! Donita K. Paul could give Lewis Carroll a run for his vocabulary with a world full of imaginatively named races, flora, and fauna--much less the names of various characters themselves. (Take Tilkertineebo Rapjackaport, an under-earth dwelling tumanhofer, for instance.) Yet, the tongue-twisting terms only serve to add an exotic flavor to a fascinating fantasy, filled with adventure, soul-searching, and the quintessential quest (technically, for a "meech" egg, but actually for the heroine's identity, maturity, and destiny). A good read for the armchair adventurer!
___Dr. Cynthia K. Deatherage

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Summary: Simply brilliant!
Review: An amazing new world and a daring adventure. A wonderfully crafted plot that draws you in on the first page and takes you on a ride! Dragonspell is sure to become a classic. I have not read anything this good in a long time!

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Summary: Good, neither amazing nor subtile
Review: As a teacher and mother I read a lot of teen fiction and fantasy. I was troubled by how obvious the Christian allegory (so obvious, can I call it that?) in this novel that I will have trouble recommending it to others. The "let go and let God" theme that pervades the quest in this book is so overbearing that I had to skim the last chapters just to assure myself that the heroine, Kale, would indeed find Paladin (Jesus) in her heart and choose the road ahead.


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Summary: In the best tradition of Lord of the Rings
Review: Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul is a fantasy about Kale, a slave girl who finds a dragon's egg. The elders in her village free her from slavery since, after all, she now owns a dragon's egg, and send her far away to The Hall to learn.
Kale may indeed now have a dragon's egg, but other than that, she feels the same as always. She expects to be a servant in The Hall now, much like a slave, which is the only thing she knows, so that's okay. On her journey she finds seven more dragon eggs.
Every move she makes leads her away from her destination, despite her determination to get to The Hall. She is dragged along on a journey with a band, who keep telling her she's meant to use her special gifts.
Kale has no gifts except obeying. Her companions tell her she has the gift of finding dragon eggs.
The entire book is full of fun and adventure. Timid Kale turns into a plucky adventurer by necessity not choice. Despite her desire to obey her village elders and go to The Hall, she's having fun - fun interrupted by terror as the evil Wizard Rizzo tries to turn Kale to his side, so he can use her to find dragon eggs.
In fantasy writing the challenge is 'world creating'. In the best tradition of Lord of the Rings, Donita K. Paul creates a world with creatures good and evil. She conjures plants and animals with her vivid words. Paul creates an adventure so fast paced and death defying that it doesn't matter what the world around Kale looks like, but you can still see it.
Dragonspell is for adults as well as children. It's funny and inspiring. The good guys are intrepid. Kale, the reluctant heroine, rises brilliantly to the challenge set before her. The evil Wizard meets his match with the all powerful Wulder and his fellow warrior Paladin.
Dragonspell was an uplifting change of pace for me. An interesting respite from the romance and danger of most novels I read.

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Summary: Cool Characters and Awesome Adventure
Review: Dragonspell is a great read for anyone interested in fantasy or just looking for a great story. Donita K. Paul has created unforgettable characters who come alive immediately and draw you into their world.
Kale, the protagonist, is a slave girl who finds a dragon egg. Her life is turned upside down with this discovery, and she finds herself in the midst of danger and adventure. Kale is sent on a quest to rescue another dragon egg from the clutches of an evil wizard. On the way she must fight enemies and rescue a member of her company.
Cliff-hanger chapter endings will keep you reading this book late into the night. Pick it up and start the adventure!

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Summary: adorable characters
Review: Dragonspell is full of wonderfully creative characters traveling through a lush fantasy world. I was so pleasantly surprised by the author's imagination and her sense of humor. She took us on a delightful trip through a land of beauty and danger and gave us plenty of laughs along the way.

A very satisfying read.

I can't wait to buy the next book in the series. I love those sweet baby dragons.



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Summary: An Amazing Read for the Whole Family
Review: I just finished reading Dragonspell aloud to my four children, ages 7 - 13. I don't know who loved it more, them or me! This wonderful adventure reminded me of the same sense of wonder and excitement I felt when I first read C.S. Lewis' Narnia. Imaginative and creative, Dragonspell captured my children's interest. The character development and inner journey of Kale, the heroine, won my heart. This is one of the best reading experiences I've ever had. Even my son, a sometimes reluctant listener, begged for just one more chapter.

Dragonspell is masterfully done and left my soul delightfully full.

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Summary: Pre Read
Review: I was reading this book for Donita before it even came out and told all of my friends to buy it as soon as it hit the shelves. It is great for readers of all ages and has a wonderful story.

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Summary: What?
Review: Paladin does not represent Christ in this allegory. The author gives two very clear clues to this fact. The novel is perhaps a bit more subtle than Book Junkie "BJ" surmises.

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Summary: wonderful journey
Review: The characters are unique, the land is a place of wonder, and the battle between good and evil draws you in cheering for good! Looking foward to the next book in the series.