There is no shortage of action in this fantasy adventure. Kira and Elsbeth are wonderful characters. They are well developed and genuine. My only quibble is that Elsbeth seems a bit mature for her age (8). Paradon is as his name suggests - a paradox. Sometimes his magic works, sometimes it does not, and that offer comic relief to what can be a dark story at times. Although this is really Kira's journey, I liked how the author gave Dane a voice. It allowed him to be the "voice in the prison" and set context for things Kira and Elsbeth could not know. All in all this was very enjoyable, and I am going to head to the library in hopes of finding Book Two.

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First in a series called ‘Shadow of the Dragon’. Twelve year old Kira is the daughter of a retired dragon knight and longs to work with the wild and unfriendly dragons herself. Her yearning for adventure is curtailed by the draconian laws of the kingdom. According to the law, girls must be married by the age of thirteen, cannot be educated, hunt, fight or even leave home without an escort. The penalty for disobedience is death.

Lord Dorcon arrives with his knights at Kira’s home and captures her father, mother and brother, Dane, to serve in the war the brutal king has instigated. While Lord Dorcon is burning their home, Kira and her younger sister, Elspeth hide in the fields. They become fugitives, under penalty of death, hunted by Lord Dorcon and his men. Kira’s father and brother are sent to the dragon army, her sister Kahrin imprisoned with the other unmarried girls in the appalling Lasser Commons, and her mother made a servant.

Kira and Elspeth flee to Rogue Mountain, the domain of the vicious escaped dragon Ferarchie. Elspeth can communicate with animals, a skill which allows them to tame one of Ferarchie’s offspring who was tossed out of the nest by his larger brother. A wizard tells them of the reason for the draconian laws; the prophecy that a girl with a dragon will bring down their unjust king. Kira’s brother Dane is able to join in their struggle and becomes a co-narrator as Kira struggles to protect her younger sister, rescue her family, and fulfil the prophecy that will free the people.

This is a fast paced, fantasy action adventure with a strong female protagonist. Its undercurrents include human rights, slavery, animal cruelty and injustice. This series is sure to become one of our classic fantasy stories. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended. ( )

Kira is twelve, time for her, according to the law, to get married. The law is very proscriptive about women and girls and she's not happy. She's made even unhappier when soldiers of the king turn up, take her family away and she's on the run with her younger sister, Elspeth. Their adventures and the adventures of her brother, Dane, press-ganged into the Dragon Knights make for an interesting story.

I enjoyed it, would have liked a few more details occasionally but otherwise a good read. ( )

"This wonderful series has strong feminine characters that girls (and parents) will love. Kira is worried about her family, the fact that she is breaking the law and could be put to death - but determination and knowing that it's up to her to save her family makes her do what needs to be done. You will find that you thoroughly enjoy this book, the situations are fun and you will find that you feel like you are part of the story.

Boys will thoroughly enjoy this series also - The girl's brother and one of his friends are involved in the war, training dragons, swordplay and more. Boys will find enough to keep their interest and I'm sure you will have all the kids acting out the story soon afterwards. ( )

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