The Dragon's Tooth (Ashtown Burials #1) [Kindle Edition]

N.D. Wilson (Author)

Book Description

N. D. Wilson, author of Leepike Ridge and 100 Cupboards, returns with an action-packed adventure that will captivate fans of both Percy Jackson and Indiana Jones with lost civilizations, ancient secrets, and buried treasure.

For two years, Cyrus and Antigone Smith have run a sagging roadside motel with their older brother, Daniel. Nothing ever seems to happen. Then a strange old man with bone tattoos arrives, demanding a specific room.

Less than 24 hours later, the old man is dead. The motel has burned, and Daniel is missing. And Cyrus and Antigone are kneeling in a crowded hall, swearing an oath to an order of explorers who have long served as caretakers of the world's secrets, keepers of powerful relics from lost civilizations, and jailers to unkillable criminals who have terrorized the world for millennia.


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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Guest Reviewer: James Dashner on The Dragon's Tooth by N.D. Wilson

James Dashner is the New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner trilogy and The 13th Reality series.

The Dragon’s Tooth by N. D. Wilson isn’t a run-of-the-mill fantasy book for kids. Original, captivating, funny, and suspenseful, it’s a book that will appeal to all ages. And it’s certainly not run-of-the-mill.

The Smith children (Dan, Antigone, and Cyrus) run the Archer Motel, living on waffles and periodically visiting their comatose mother in the hospital. With their father dead, they are pretty much on their own. Things quickly get exciting when a strange man with bones tattooed all over his body comes to the motel demanding to stay in room 111. He shows twelve-year-old Cyrus a lightning bug encased in glass that has dangerous capabilities. After much mayhem the motel is destroyed in a fire, and Cyrus’s older brother, Dan, goes missing. Cyrus is given some very powerful keys and a shard of a tooth. Antigone and Cyrus travel to Ashtown, where they learn about the Order of Brendan, which has existed for fifteen centuries, and that they’re considered Acolytes, with some learning to do before they advance. As you can see, there’s a lot going on to keep you reading!

One of the elements I really enjoyed about the book is all the cool imagery that Wilson introduces. Quick Water is a substance that, when shared between two people, allows them to see where the other is. It ends up being helpful to Antigone as she searches for her brother. There’s a room with planks hanging from the ceiling to walk on so as to avoid the Whip Spiders. And there’s Patricia, a serpent that turns invisible when she swallows her tail. She helps Cyrus to conceal the special keys he’s been given.

To say this book is action-packed would be an understatement. It starts quickly and keeps a steady pace right to the climax and ending. The story is well-crafted, with vibrant characters and interesting places. I especially appreciated the way Wilson develops the siblings. The brother/ sister relationship is very authentic, and the dialogue believable. I’m really looking forward to the second installment!

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A Letter from Author N. D. Wilson

I love history--and not just the official in-every-textbook stuff (though I enjoy that too). I love the classics of adventure--especially classics magical or piratical or exploratory. I love Latin and maps and running till I’m exhausted and hot days and my grandfather’s old leather flight jacket (which he lost). I have explored tombs in Jerusalem and back alleys in London. I have been lost in the tunnels of Brussels (with a van full of children), and I have been robbed in Rome (it was easy, anyone can do it). But my adventures are nothing compared to the adventures of men like Lewis and Clark and Magellan and Brendan the Navigator, and I can’t help but be stunned by what they were able to accomplish without our technological crutches and gifts (and internal combustion engines).

I love books that give me a thirst to step outside and blink in the sun (or blink in the rain), books that make me put on my boots or my shoes or my sandals, that make me want to climb, to dive, to dig, to have staring contests with anthills, to hold crabs or touch sharks or search out even fatter books.

Escapism in fiction can be a beautiful thing. But that’s not the only thing I hope to create. If kids around the world pass through The Dragon’s Tooth and become friends with Cyrus and Antigone Smith and form clubs and sit in circles to role-play with dice and wish they had more interesting lives, then I will have failed. But if they dream of learning to sail, to swim, to fly, if they dream of running faster than they’ve ever run and studying Latin (or Greek or Persian or Creole), if they walk outside and realize that their world is more wonderful, more surprising, more dangerous, and more exciting than anything I could ever create, if they discover that they themselves could become more interesting than any character I could ever shape, then I will have succeeded.

In The Dragon’s Tooth, I season my story with a pirate cook and flight lessons and truly electric lightning bugs and an old motel beside a quiet road in Wisconsin. I add one or two of history’s rogues (and whip spiders and a bull shark named Lilly and a giant snapping turtle named Leon), and then I put it all on a sizzling end-of-summer barbecue and serve it with lemonade.

Taste. Eat. I hope you like. But if you don’t, step outside and look at the sky. Right now, you’re standing on a ball that is hurtling through space at Mach 86. And that ball of fire up there in the blue is slinging us around like we’re on a string. Birds really can fly. And sing. The ocean is real. The platypus is no myth. Caterpillars turn into soup (and yes, that soup turns into butterflies). This is our fantasy world, and it is the world into which I hope my readers escape.

Review

Starred Review, Publishers Weekly, August 8, 2011:
"Wilson (the 100 Cupboards books) launches the Ashtown Burials series with this wildly imaginative and action-packed thrill ride. Cyrus and Antigone Smith . . . must prove their worth to [a] society of adventurers and explorers whose past members have included the likes of Amelia Earhart. Additionally, Cyrus and Antigone battle traitors and subterranean creatures while struggling to keep an ancient artifact away from an immortal madman. Wilson balances these hyperbolic plot elements with measured prose and smart dialogue, while combining pulp sensibilities, cinematic pacing, and fully developed characters readers will gladly follow down the rabbit hole."

Starred Review, Booklist, October 15, 2011:
"Cyrus and Antigone Smith have been living with their brother, Dan, since the mysterious circumstances that caused their father’s death and their mother’s coma. Then Billy Bones appears out of nowhere with a ring of keys and a dragon’s tooth. Within moments of passing them to Cyrus, Billy is killed and Dan is kidnapped by the elusive Dr. Phoenix. The only possibility of rescuing their brother seems to reside in Ashtown with the Order of Brendan. This fast-paced fantasy quickly draws readers in to its alternate reality, where transmortal creatures cannot be defeated with ordinary weapons, and Dr. Phoenix’s experiments on Dan and others are reminiscent of history’s worst realities. Yet, on the positive side, there is the love the Smith family holds for one another, love that requires trust and self-sacrifice. Allusions to mythology and complex character development—not only of several young protagonists but also of Phoenix and the shifty cook, Sterling—make Wilson’s first in a proposed series a gem. In an embattled world, where evil seems insurmountable, a glimmer of hope arises from a tooth."

Starred Review, School Library Journal, November 1, 2011:
"The Order of Brendan is an underground collective of sages, historians, and explorers who've been guarding the world's secrets for millennia. Cyrus and Antigone are plunged headlong into an exciting and dangerous world and pursued by a deadly advisory who will do anything to possess their strange inheritance.This volume marks the birth of an extraordinary new series. Populated with well-crafted characters, peppered with mythological references, and brought to vivid life through Wilson's masterful storytelling, this book is sure to appeal to the adventurous spirit in all who delve into its pages."

The Bulleting of the Center for Children's Books, December 2011:

"A wild adventure that features swarms of deadly, carnivorous spiders, one gigantic snapping turtle, animal/human hybrids, and a double-timing cook—not to mention the occasional cameos by Amelia Earhart and Rasputin. The mythology behind the Order is neatly woven into the action-packed plot, offering a brief reprieve from chases and hunts without slowing the pace. Even at a hefty 400-plus pages, this exhilarating story reads like a breeze, and fans of adventure will have a hard time putting it down."

Kirkus Reviews, April 15, 2011:

"A wild fantasy romp through a creatively imagined alternative world. For readers who've reread all of Harry Potter multiple times, this will be just what the doctor ordered."

From the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 2053 KB
• Print Length: 496 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 23, 2011)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004J4WL1E
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,748 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #88 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Children's eBooks > People & Places > Boys & Men

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprised me, but worth a read October 4, 2011

By Books31

Format:Hardcover

When I was given The Dragon's Tooth, I was more than a little skeptical of it. It looked much more juvenile than I usually like, what with its explorer like society, the magic that it describes, and the age of the characters. That coupled with the cover made me think this was not going to be something that was going to be for me.

I was thoroughly surprised.

Wilson does a superb job creating intelligent interesting characters (especially the protagonist Cyrus), that I really felt acted in a much more realistic (and enjoyable) manner. Of course it wasn't just that Cy acts more grown up than you would expect for a middle grade reader, it's that Wilson obviously treated the reader's intelligence with respect when creating this character, in that he isn't dumbed down, which I find quite a lot of middle grade books do to their characters. Of course not all the characters are quite as interesting as Cyrus, I was a little disappointed with Maxi (a black and white villain), and some of the other supporting characters, but overall I was still impressed with the lineup.

As for the plot itself, that too surprised me. There was much more action than I was expecting, and while some of it seemed to jump about a bit, overall I was very impressed. Wilson also throws in some interesting twists with the Smiths background that I hadn't fully expected, but found quite enjoyable. Not only that but Wilson makes the smart move and doesn't expect the readers to believe the Smiths just learned everything in a short period of time. Yes, it is still fast, but I felt the way Wilson handled it was very apt.

All in all don't let this cover fool you. This is a great middle grade book that will entertain and captivate readers as they get to know the world of the Order and the Smiths. The protagonists are well written, the action fast paced, and the story interesting. Plus Wilson leaves some intriguing mysteries for the readers to wait on until the next installment of this interesting series, that I will certainly read.
[...]

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Cyrus and Antigone in the Lion's Den July 28, 2011

By Karen VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

"Please declare aloud: I hereby undertake to tread the world, to garden the wild, and to saddle the seas, as did my brother Brendan. I will not turn away from shades in fear, nor avert my eyes from light. I shall do as my Keeper requires, and keep no secret from a Sage. May the stars guide me, and my strength preserve me. And I will not smoke in the library." - Oath of the Order of Brendan, translation approved, 1946.

Cyrus Lawrence Smith, a nearly too tall boy of almost thirteen, is absolutely, positively convinced that his life cannot get any worse. Two years ago - well, two years ago Cy's life was perfect. The Smith family - Cyrus, his sister Antigone, his older brother Daniel, and his wonderful, vibrant parents - all lived quite happily on the coast in northern California. That was before everything went horribly, tragically wrong. Cyrus's father died - drowned at sea - and his mother fell into a coma from which she may never awaken. Dan, who used to be laid-back and happily-go-lucky, has had to take on all of the stress and worry of keeping their dwindling family afloat and together. The house in California is long gone, sold to help pay the bills. For the past two years, the three remaining Smiths have lived in the decrepit Archer, a once grand example of the roadside motel slouching by the highway on the outskirts of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

So yeah, Cyrus's life has been pretty tough lately, but it was never out and out bizarre before the last 48 hours. It all started when Billy `Bones' Skelton, a walking definition of `crazy old man' as far as Cyrus can tell, called the Archer and demanded a specific room for the night. Any type of paying guest is strange enough, but no one has ever wanted to stay in one particular room. That phone call set off a chain of events that has seen Cyrus nearly electrocuted, the Archer burned down and Dan kidnapped by the insanely evil henchman of a malevolent criminal who sometimes calls himself Dr. Phoenix and sometimes, Mr. Ashes. Now Cyrus and Antigone have pledged themselves to the Order of Brendan, an obscure and ancient society of explorers who keep the world's secrets and beat back evil wherever they find it. The O of B is the Smiths' only hope of rescuing their brother, but it's obvious that not every member is ready to welcome Cyrus and Antigone into their ranks. They'll have to work very hard just to avoid being tossed out on their ears while they determine just what, exactly, is going on.

It's not easy to find an original work of fantasy that successfully combines the world we know with the world of myth and legend. Mr. Wilson has done that with The Dragon's Tooth and he's done so in a particularly vivid and inventive way. The Ashtown Estate of the Order of Brendan is as much a character in this novel as any of the people Cyrus and Antigone meet and Mr. Wilson gives this institution a personality that is both grand and forbidding. The myth-building is perfectly executed here. The reader learns things about the O of B along with Cyrus and Antigone and, also along with them, finds confusion turning to wonder and fear morphing into a determination to set things right.

All of the characters are multi-faceted and interesting but it is Cyrus Smith, along with his sister, that makes The Dragon's Tooth work on every level. He ties the fantastical to the real and gives the reader a stake in the outcome of Dan's kidnapping. The story is full of action and conflict, heroes, villains and those that are a little bit of both, and it is up to Cyrus and Antigone to figure out who will help them and who is working to see them fail. The Dragon's Tooth is the first book in the new Ashtown Burials series but, unlike so many other series starters, it is also a fully realized, richly entertaining novel on its own. Fantasy fans are sure to love it and those who haven't liked the genre before may find themselves pulled into Cyrus's story.

As a final note, I ought to add that the Advanced Readers' Copy I had said this book was designated for readers 8-12. I'm sure there are 8-year-olds out there who can handle the danger and violence of the story, but parents should be aware that The Dragon's Tooth may be a bit intense for younger readers.

23 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Hogwarts, Not Even Camp Half-Blood August 27, 2011

By K. Coombs VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I fell hard for N.D. Wilson's 100 Cupboards trilogy a year or so ago, and then I read Leepike Ridge, which was possibly even better. So I was eager to get my hands on the first book in his new series.

If Rick Riordan's series were as dark as the later Harry Potter books, they might be something like N.D. Wilson's books, especially this series launch. In other words, boys who are into action movies and video games will like this stuff. However, the books aren't just for reluctant readers: they're for any major fantasy fan, and probably for you dystopian fans, too. The Dragon's Tooth is Harry Potter meets film noir--a little edgy, kind of gritty. And fast paced, too!

Cyrus Smith and his older sister and brother live in a run-down motel called the Archer because of the sign out front showing a lady with a bow and arrow. The sign used to be lit up, and the motel used to have guests. Now, as Wilson puts it, "To a traveler's eyes, the motel is dead and useless, a roadside tragedy, like the remains of some unfortunate animal in a ditch--glimpsed, mourned, and forgotten before the next bend in the road. But to the lean boy with the dark skin and the black hair struggling in the thick brush behind the pool, the motel is alive, and it is home."

Soon Cyrus has an encounter with a strange old man named Billy Skelton who lights up the long-dark archer, nearly zapping the boy as he apparently calls down lightning. The one-and-only guest in the hotel, Mrs. Eldredge, pitches a fit when the Smiths let the old man stay--and Skelton insists on staying in Cyrus's very own room. After the visitor passes along a couple of his secrets to Cyrus and his sister Antigone everything really goes haywire, leaving Skelton dead and an uber-creepy guy named Maxi determined to take the treasure that was left in Cyrus's keeping.

Cyrus and Antigone must go on the run. Following a car chase in a limo, bullets flying, they end up at Hogwarts.

Just kidding: the place they land is called Ashtown. It's a training academy and headquarters for a group of mysterious guardians, but most of them are decidedly unfriendly to the Smith siblings. And you won't believe where these two kids are expected to sleep! Now they must outwit their enemies at Ashtown, and Maxi is still after Cyrus and the secret he carries....

You can practically feel the spider venom in this new series starter from N.D. Wilson!

Note for Worried Parents: The Dragon's Tooth has a fairly high level of violence and suspense. I recommend it for kids (especially boys) 10 and up, or younger kids who are comfortable with teen-level video and movie violence.

More About the Author

N. D. Wilson is the author of Leepike Ridge, a children's adventure story, and 100 Cupboards, the first installment in a multi-world fantasy series. He enjoys high winds, milk, and night-time. He received his Masters degree from Saint John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, is the managing editor of Credenda/Agenda magazine and is also a Fellow of Literature at New Saint Andrews College. His writing has appeared in Books & Culture, The Chattahoochee Review, and Esquire