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Product Details
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Firedrake boldly volunteers to go ahead first. As he embarks on his journey, he meets Ben, a runaway boy. Together, the boy and dragon make their way toward the Rim of Heaven, all the while running a step ahead of Nettlebrand, a monster who will stop at nothing to hunt down Firedrake. Their quest will truly become an adventure like no other.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
94 of 100 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid "Rider",
This review is from: Dragon Rider (Hardcover)
Cornelia Funke shot to literary stardom with the international bestseller "The Thief Lord," an instant hit in the UK, US and Germany. And in her third American release, she shows no sign of slowing. "Dragon Rider" is a solid draconian fantasy, although laced with a bit too much whimsy.
In fantasy stories, peaceful valleys are prime targets. This one is no exception -- the home of a clan of dragons is being threatened. So the silver-skinned Firedrake sets out to find the Rim of Heaven, which may be the sanctuary they need. Along the way he and his brownie sidekick Sorrel pick up a human boy, Ben, who wats to help them out. But their quest is being complicated by Nettlebrand, a strange manmade dragon with metal scales and a serious attitude problem, and a bow-and-scraping homunculus. Nettlebrand's goal is to destroy Firedrake and the other dragons, unless Firedrake, Ben and Sorrel can defeat him, and find the Rim of Heaven. Cornelia Funke strays into lighter turf with "Dragon Rider," which was originally written seven years back. It's not lightweight exactly, but it lacks some of the somberness of her past two books. It's not vaguely dark like "Thief Lord," and it doesn't have the overstrained seriousness of "Inkheart." Rather it feels like Funke loosened up and decided to just write something more whimsical. No Anne McCaffrey dragons here -- Funke doesn't overburden readers with the nitty-gritty of dragons. At times she does take the whimsy too far (a dragon living on moonlight? What's up with that?). However, her solid writing and fantasy trappings avoid being precious, and add a grounded feel to a 100% fantastical storyline. And Funke doesn't fail readers with her characters. Firedrake, Ben and Sorrel are likable and well-rounded, and while Twigleg the homunculus gets annoying, he's well-done. Nettlebrand is an intriguingly original villain, although he could have used a few more motivations. While "Dragon Rider" can be a bit overwhimsical at times, it's a pleasant, more laid-back fantasy that brings Lloyd Alexander's standalone fantasies to mind. Recommended for dragon-lovers everywhere. (And aren't they everywhere?)
70 of 79 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Journey full of Whimsical Adventure,
By
This review is from: Dragon Rider (Hardcover)
I have to admit that this is the first Cornelia Funke book I have read. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew the story would intrigue me. I certainly was not disappointed, even though I am an adult.
This is a great read for kids (and for adults who like adventure that isn't too dark). This is a story of a long journey full of great whimsical adventure. Every child in the 9-12 age group should read it. I love how Ms. Funke uses flashbacks and foreshadowing to provide elements along the way that are key to side stories within the story and to the climax of the story. The only (not necessarily negative) comment I would make about the book is that the translation to English seems a bit rough in some places -- but in a way this kinda helps add to the whimsical nature of the story. I am also amazed at the length of children's books these days. I remember when a book for 9-12 year-olds was 100 to maybe 200 pages long -- not 423. It seems like J. K. Rowling started something. But this was a page-turner and should keep anyone's interest (especially kids) throughout. I think it is good to see children's books get longer -- it is more challenging (and less insulting) to a child's intelligence, and it allows them to enjoy the adventure of the story (and reading) even longer. Bravo!! Thanks, Cornelia. Like Professor Greenbloom, I too now BELIEVE in "fabulous animals". Now I need to read some more of Funke's work -- I think Inkheart will be first. To everybody who is thinking about reading this book -- DO!! You will enjoy it!!
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really Cute,
By
This review is from: Dragon Rider (Hardcover)
When I bought this book, I had already read Inheart and The Thief Lord and was hoping Ms. Funke wouldn't let me down. Well, she didn't! This book is very likeable and a fun fantasy read. Though, as previously mentioned by another reviewer, it isn't as serious as her other works, but more light-hearted. I really enjoyed it, and thought that the author did a good job of putting a clever spin on over-familiarized mystical beasts. Not to mention I was sad when it ended, and that's always a good sign! It's a little slow getting started, but is hardly a drawback at all. Recommended!
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