Book Blurb:
"Daddy, where does lightning come from?"
An epic adventure that takes place during a time period when Dragons were alive and freely roamed the land. The people during this time were getting eaten by a vicious species of Dragons. The ruling King finally orders the total annihilation of all living dragons. A powerful wizard, named Merlinius, who is a friend to the king, does not agree with the King's order, for Merlinius knows that all Dragons are not what they seem. So he does what he must to protect a family of Dragons that he had befriended. And to protect his Dragon friends, Merlinius performs the spell of weightlessness and tells the Dragons to fly up and hide in the cover of the Clouds. He then gives the Dragons strict instructions to live within the clouds and to only come down at night to eat. An apprentice to the wizard who has grandeur of his own has a plan for Dragons that he has hidden deep within a mountain cavern. Now enters a young boy, who had also befriended a dragon, though a very young one, suddenly finds themselves caught between the King's order and a battle that has begun between two species of Dragons. A battle that would determine control of the skies above the Kingdom of Albion. This Apprentice's plan has consequences that may bring the Kingdom and perhaps the very world we live in today to a devastating end.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/cqnccT
Author Bio:
– I am the creator and writer of the original story, ‘’Dragons in the Clouds’’ My most favorite and influential writer would be Rod Sterling, of the fame television show ‘’The Twilight Zone’’. Also Charles Dickens, ‘’A Christmas Carol’’ to this day has a place in my heart. I was captivated watching that show. All my work has a paranormal feel too it. I recently worked as a production supervisor for EnterAktion Studios. I started my story telling at the young age of 14. A student film called ‘’Destination Destiny’’. I am so grateful to have this opportunity .
Editorial Review:
“Deep in the darkest forest, a full moon illuminated the passing clouds emanating a sinister aura. As the moonlight pierced through the pine trees, three gallant knights led by Sir Jonathan, royal compatriots serving the kingdom of Albion, moved cautiously along a narrow winding path; their well-polished armor gleaming in the hazy glow. Without warning, fear gripped their hearts and cast shadows across their startled eyes as a monstrous beast emerged from the darkness, seizing Sir Jonathan and strangling his cries for help. The beast held on to its prey, clenching him between its razor-sharp teeth while sending a tempest across the ground with its beating wings as it took to flight. The two remaining knights cowered in horror, watching the silhouette bank across the full moon, their unlit torches and swords trembling in their fingers.”
It's Christmas 1945, and Ray is returning home after four years away at war. A toy dragon catches his eye; it will be perfect for his daughter Reilly. Reilly is ecstatic, both to have her father home and to have a special dragon. Stories must be told, and immediately. “Dragons in the Clouds” by David Blair is a wonderful story, suitable for both tween/middle-grade children and adults (or perhaps for reading to younger children). There is a mix of reality, with references to World War Two and a child being separated from her father who has gone to war, and an incredible mystical tale of knights, dragons, and wizards that includes references to Tolkien.
The narrative unfolds through the mechanism of Ray telling stories to his daughter (Reilly is eight years old). Rago the Dragon is in danger, and his friend David warns him that he must leave. Those adults following media discussion or concerned about references to grief and loss in children’s movies/books may need to apply some parental guidance, as David, a child, is portrayed as attending his father’s funeral. There are also references to dragons (and knights) dying, as well as a baby dragon being killed while sheltering under his mother’s wing. Alternatively, Ray is there, talking to his daughter and explaining the story as he tells it, and this is an effective way to minimize any concern younger readers may feel. These aspects of the storyline are appropriate and do fit the genre, but some adults may wish to read a few pages ahead to plan how they are going to approach any discussion with younger family members.
“"Rago, I have something to tell you. It's now too dangerous for you to remain here." Rago cocked his head and frowned as David continued. "You see, the king has ordered to kill all dragons on sight! You know a meat-eater killed my father."
Rago stomped his feet and swung his head with a growl.
David continued, holding up his hands in protest. "I know, I know, Rago, your kind doesn't kill humans. But the people don't understand that. To them, all dragons are evil killers."
Rago hung his head low, his eyes drooping with sadness. David reached across and stroked the scales on his back. "I know this is hard, my friend, but it's not safe for you to come here anymore. You and your family must leave here and go as far away as possible." Rago scooted close to David and wrapped his wing across the boy's back, and David hugged the dragon close.”
Blair has structured the book in mostly alternating chapters and scenes. Ray is telling stories to his daughter and settling back into his marriage and civilian life, while is some parallel universe (or is it?) King Arturus has given an order. As a consequence, dragons struggle for survival and knights are going to battle. Merlinus, a wizard, tries to protect the dragons, and throughout the narrative there are clear symbols of English history and myth, including the name Albion, and of course, Arthur/Arturus, and Merlin/Merlinus. There are several secondary characters, and the content is increasingly focused on the fantasy elements. Ray’s contemplation of Tolkien’s legacy and his inspiration is another relatively adult aspect of the novel, but children who are rightly entranced by fantasy stories will learn from the introduction to such an incomparable writer.
“Ray closed the book and thought about Tolkien's experience in WWI, of the easily identifiable allegorical depictions of the war throughout the book, of seeing his dear friends slaughtered during the Battle of the Somme, and his struggle with trench fever, of which brought about the dreams of Middle Earth, of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and yes, of dragons. Ray wondered how his own experience related to the story he had just told his daughter... if something might be gleaned from the tale.”
“Dragons in the Clouds” by David Blair is an fascinating read and a book that will appeal to teens, adults and younger readers. The characterization of the dragons is incredible, however another highlight of the story is the father/daughter bond between Ray and Reilly, which is well-written and poignant. A whimsical yarn with a serious side, and a lot of emotion.
*****
“Dragons in the Clouds” by David Blair receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
Commenti