Monday, May 13, 2013

The Dragon Shield by Dianne Lynn Gardner

Title: The Dragon Shield
Author:  Dianne Lynn Gardner
Series:  The Ian`s Realm Saga #2
Published: January 26th 2013 by Hydra Publications
Page Count: 202
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Shelf: Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

As a young man, Ian returns to the Realm to fight against the tyranny that has befallen his friends. But the Realm is a different place, the forest is dying, the Kaermperns have lost the shield that protected them from the dragon, and Ian has a hard time proving his allegiance when trouble follows him through the portal. His struggle to do right buries him in confusion, and he must fight his own will to prove his integrity.

My Review:

This story is a unique mix of history, modernity, and fantasy. It creates a completely new and very intriguing world. This world is larger than life. Gardner writes in such a vivid manner that you cannot help but be drawn into this awesome world. She also writes in a very clear manner that allows you to immerse yourself in the storyline without having to wonder what she is really trying to say.

One thing that I really appreciate about this novel is that you can start reading this series with this novel, which is the second in the series, without being completely lost. Gardner gives you enough background information to know exactly what is going on and how this world works. It’s very nice to see an author who has the ability to do this. Although reading the entire series would give you further background information, she makes it possible to start here as well. She also leaves you well set up for the sequel without leaving you hanging.

All of the characters in this novel are quite well developed. Some of the characters in this novel are outright hilarious. You really feel like you know them. There is such a wide variety of characters in this novel that you can’t help but fall in love with at least some of them. The variety comes not only through personalities, but also via race/species. Each and every one is brought to light in a vivid way, helping to create a wonderful cast who brings you through this novel, always wanting more. That said, they also do not overpower the main character.

As a whole, this novel was extremely interesting and very intriguing. One cannot help but fall in love with this troubled world, wanting to continue journeying with the main characters to see how their lives turn out.

Buy your copy online here today!


2 comments:

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  2. Thank you so much for posting your review of The Dragon Shield! I appreciate it!

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