The Sand Dragon [Paperback]

Michael F. Stewart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2, 2010

The discovery of an immense pterosaur skeleton lures paleontologist Kim Axon to the tar sands near her childhood home of Fort Mic. But Kim's not the only one drawn to the find's siren call, and the others are coming for a very different reason.

Fort Mic, where Kim's father was murdered long ago, is both blessed and cursed by the shadow population who gravitate to the area for cheap trailers while they mine the sands for oil. Townsfolk begin to fall sick. Fearing the spread of the strange disease, the new doctor quarantines the town.

Now alone, the broken community must rise above its past to battle outsiders who do not fear the return of an ancient evil, but worship it.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Double Dragon Publishing (April 2, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554047439
• ISBN-13: 978-1554047437
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,404,030 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael F. Stewart spent his formative years as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley North, Ottawa, Canada to which he credits his interest in writing fiction. He holds a B.A. from Queen's University and a Masters in Business Administration from McMaster University.

Michael has authored four young adult graphic novels for a Texty Award winning series released through Oxford University Press Canada, 24 Bones a supernatural thriller, published by Drollerie Press, The Sand Dragon, published by Double Dragon, and another supernatural thriller, Color of the Crow, coming soon from Drollerie Press.

Michael tries very hard to keep life an adventure both on and off the page.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable, February 20, 2011

By 

cdhtenn2k10 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sand Dragon (Paperback)

An excellent horror novel with a new and interesting take on vampires. I gotta be honest, I'm a little tired of vampires. Even well written vampires. So I was very happy when Stewart's vampires were actually different and interesting, making the book vastly more enjoyable than if he'd settled for some vampire clones from Buffy or Charlaine Harris. There is a quality to Stewart's vampires that actually made them what they should be -- creepy. For that, nicely done Mr. Stewart.

In addition to vampires, Stewart gives us some monsters, a little science, some mythology, human tragedy, First Nation spirituality and some social commentary. Thanks to the setting Stewart chose, all those things blend nicely into the story and actually work to move the plot along. I never felt bogged down in details or sub plots that didn't matter.

Stewart's writing is solid. The Sand Dragon is smoothly written and nicely paced.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A top pick and solid recommendation for fantasy readers, September 11, 2010

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sand Dragon (Paperback)

The dragon is a legend that has captivated the world for centuries. "The Sand Dragon" tells the story of paleontologist Kim Axon as she discovers a dinosaur skeleton that could be something far more. An ancient evil surrounds the area, and Kim is baffled to understand it, but must before it consumes the community around her. "The Sand Dragon" is a top pick and solid recommendation for fantasy readers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Horror Story!, June 1, 2010

By 

M. Bauer (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sand Dragon (Kindle Edition)

This book took me a couple of chapters to really get into, but when I did, it became a very action packed, mystery type of horror book. In fact there were times when I wondered if I needed a seat belt because so much was happening. Not that it was a bad thing. In this case it's actually a great thing especially when looking for a good horror story.

A discovery of an intact pterosaur skeleton becomes the center of attention to paleontologist, Kim who is known to the locals and another "outsider" and cryptozoologist, Dr. Bythell. When the skeleton is stolen and Kim suspects Dr. Bythell, things in the story really start to heat up. We really start to learn more about the mystery surrounding this find and start to sense the horror of the book as we get to know Jamie, Alice, Sandy and especially Patrick, who are the other main characters. What unfolds as we go along with their adventures becomes very creepy and we are left wondering exactly what is going on. Why are people changing? Why are they dying? Is it a toxin? Is it a disease? Something more? We find these answers and more than what was expected as we keep reading.

Even though this is primarily a horror book, there are some historical facts I was glad that was handled in a pretty frank manner. In this area described, the aboriginals are a part of the Cree nation and the past sins of the area also rear it's ugly head within the story. The anti-native schools and the way many were treated have an impact on the area and, deservedly so, present a big aspect to this story. One way in particular which became an interesting twist. Some Cree/Native folklore is also mixed into the story. I love it when books do this and it was done well.

I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good horror story. Hope I didn't leave too much out as I wouldn't want to spoil this story for anyone. It is a good read and I love how you figure things out as you go along in the book.