Shadow of the Dragon, Book One: Kira [Hardcover]

Kate O'Hearn (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Shadow of the Dragon

Under no circumstances are girls EVER to be allowed anywhere near dragons. THE PENALTY FOR ANY GIRL CAUGHT BREAKING THE FIRST LAW IS DEATH. Kira is twelve, and strong willed. The daughter of a retired dragon knight, she yearns for adventure and dreams of following in her father's footsteps astride her own magnificent mount. But this can never happen. According to the 'stupid laws' of the kingdom, she must be married by thirteen. Kira hates it, but being a girl she has no choice. Then Lord Dorcon arrives, in a whirl of destruction and fire and Kira knows the real fight is just beginning. To stand a chance of seeing her family again, and to protect the life of her younger sister, she will need every bit of willpower she can find. Let the battle commence.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—Kira is almost 13 and, by law and at her parents' insistence, must be married by her birthday or be sent to prison. She is devastated as she secretly dreams of working with dragons, though she knows it's illegal. She goes for a walk, followed by her younger sister, Elspeth, who tends to shadow Kira's every move. While they are gone, their family is captured by Lord Dorcan, who believes that Kira's father has wronged him. Her father and brother are sent to the dragon army, a sister is imprisoned, and their mother is made a servant. Kira and Elspeth flee to a mountain where a rogue dragon lives, and Elspeth's powers with animals allow them to tame one of his offspring. The girls are befriended by a wizard who tells them of a prophecy that a girl with a dragon will bring down the king. The sisters and their brother Dane separately begin to bring about what the king fears most: the loss of his kingdom and power. The story alternates narratives between Kira and Dane, which serves to heighten the suspense as things race toward a confrontation. At times the events seem a bit too convenient, but on the whole the adventure is exciting and fast paced. The characters are well rounded and believable. Shadow will be popular with fans of Anne McCaffrey's "Harper Hall" trilogy (S & S).—Saleena L. Davidson, South Brunswick Public Library, Monmouth Junction, NJ END

Review

'a rollercoaster of an adventure' -- The Book Bag 'an action packed, gripping adventure story bringing the world of fantasy directly to a young female readership. Kate O'Hearn is perhaps the Anne McAffrey for the twenty-first century.' -- School Librarian '... packed with action' -- Carousel 'This is a fine tale of high fantasy ... catches your imagination and heart.' -- Kiss the Book 'This exhilarating story captures the reader's interest from the opening interaction between Kira and her parents to the breathless conclusion.' -- VOYA 'exciting and fast paced' -- School Library Journal --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 307 pages
• Publisher: Kane/Miller Book Publishers; 1 edition (June 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 193527905X
• ISBN-13: 978-1935279051
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,884,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For all girls, small and grown, September 13, 2008

By 

Delphine M. Herman "mystic lady" (bradenton, fl) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kira (Shadow of the Dragon) (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. As a young girl I so would have liked to have had a book like this to read. Now in my early 50's I so enjoyed reading. It is magical, thought provoking and gives hope to all little girls that they can use their skills to be whom they are supposed to be.

4.0 out of 5 stars The story I've needed for a while., August 22, 2011

By 

kc - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shadow of the Dragon, Book One: Kira (Hardcover)

This book is very well thought out. The characters are believable and the girls are very strong. I love the way things unfolded as the story went on and I loved the fact that this book was something that really, (as said before in another review) anyone could read.

I did like the fact that the dragons were vicious. From all the dragon books I've read most of them are nice and cute. (Except for Eragon.)So I thought it was nice to read this book and hear that the dragons weren't all cute.

The story is very believable, and so are all the characters. This book is highly recommended for adventure lovers.

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book I ever read!, May 9, 2010

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Shadow of the Dragon, Book One: Kira (Hardcover)

I absolutely loved it! I couldn't put it down until I finished it (one day later). The characters are so well thought up! The evil characters were very believable and still exciting until the very end! If there was a six star review that would be what I would rate it! I highly recomend this book to adventure readers such as myself!