Dragon: Hound of Honor (Julie Andrews Collection) [Paperback]

Julie Andrews Edwards (Author), Emma Walton Hamilton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 29, 2005 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Julie Andrews Collection

In the noble and dangerous times of medieval France, the young knight Aubrey de Montdidier, nephew of the Count of Montargis, has been strangely murdered. His friend the brave Sieur DeNarsac, captain of the count's men-at-arms, and Thierry, a young page, must now solve the tragic mystery. Yet it is a magnificent white wolfhound by the name of Dragon -- Montdidier's faithful companion -- who brings an unexpected, shocking conclusion to the puzzle of his master's untimely death.

New York Times best-selling authors Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton weave a tapestry of intrigue, power, loyalty, and friendship in this novel based on the captivating French legend of Montargis.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8–Thierry is a ward of the Count of Montargis in medieval France. He wants to become a squire to a knight, and is fascinated when a tournament is held on his guardian's estate. But concern arises when Aubrey de Montdidier, the knight betrothed to the Count's daughter, fails to turn up for the festivities. Three days later his horse and faithful hound, Dragon, return to the castle, spooked and injured. Dragon then leads Thierry and Guy DeNarsac to Aubrey's murdered body. As the entire castle mourns his death, Thierry and DeNarsac realize that the clue to the murderer lies with Dragon, the only living witness. Edwards and Hamilton render a beautifully written retelling of "The Legend of the Dog of Montargis." The descriptions of castle life, the tournament, and Paris in the 14th century are well researched and presented in a manner that is both lyrical and thrilling, and the heroics of the knights and of Dragon are exciting. While the complex names and the insertion of French phrases might be confusing at first, a glossary and a family tree aid in understanding. A well-done historical novel with an exciting mystery that will hold the attention of middle-grade readers.–Anna M. Nelson, Seabrook Library, NH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-8. From the entertainer and her daughter comes this novel set in medieval France during the reign of Charles V. When Aubrey de Montdidier, a young knight, fails to arrive for a joust, it is his dog, the faithful and intelligent Dragon, that leads friends to his grave. Eventually, the wolfhound also helps solve the mystery of his murder. The language is lush though occasionally melodramatic and cliched; lavish details of food, feast, and festival give a good sense of the times. Deborah Ellis' A Company of Fools (2002) is^B a more engaging title set in the same period. GraceAnne DeCandido
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (March 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060571217
• ISBN-13: 978-0060571214
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,788 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Fiction > Medieval
  • #29 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Medieval
  • #29 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Animals > Foxes & Wolves > Fiction

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kids will undoubtedly enjoy this excellent book., July 7, 2004

By 

A Customer (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragon: Hound of Honor (Julie Andrews Collection) (Library Binding)

You can definitely count on books from the Julie Andrews Collection to contain good story lines and inspiring messages. DRAGON: Hound of Honor is a perfect example of the fine quality work the collection encompasses.

When the knight, Aubrey de Montdidier, mysteriously disappears there is an immediate sense of something amiss. Everyone in the kingdom is shocked, dismayed and horrified when, with the help of the knight's dog, Dragon, his bloodied body is found. No one can imagine why this terrible thing has happened, least of all his best friend Guy deNarac and his young page Thierry, plus Aubrey's future bride, the lovely Lady Isabelle. Through the dog, Dragon, a most unlikely suspect is eventually found, but how can a dog communicate this kind of information?

Many interesting characters bring this story to life, but the most fascinating one is Dragon, the great white wolfhound. This dog is intelligent and loyal, and ultimately helps bring the murderer of his young master to justice. Readers will be amazed at the dog's courage and willingness to sacrifice himself --- this is the story of a real hero.

Multiple expressions and words, which reflect both the time period and the French language, are found throughout the book. Helpful glossaries of French-English and medieval terms are provided for readers at the end. The authors have worked hard to tell a wonderful story and give an accurate picture of life during medieval times. Kids will undoubtedly enjoy this excellent book, which is perfect to use in an educational setting. Recommended for grades 5-8.

--- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts ([e-mail])

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars doggone dragon, July 9, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Dragon: Hound of Honor (Julie Andrews Collection) (Hardcover)

A story of mystery and suspense, a book of honoring, and a thriller for the whole family. This book, dragon, is like a Sherlock Holmes mystery: Dragon is the explainer of what happened, DeNarsac is Sherlock, and Thierry is Watson.

I suggest this book if your interested in the things below:
1.Mystery
2.Medieval times
3.Knights
4.Dear Watson
By Jake

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great book!, March 29, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Dragon: Hound of Honor (Julie Andrews Collection) (Hardcover)

The book is about a dog and knights. There are a lot of surprising details in the book. The characters are all great, too. My favorite character is Dragon the dog. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes knights in battle. Thank you Julie Andrews for writing this book.