Review
"Containing all the requisite literary ingredients of high fantasy, but lacking its usual protracted length, DRAGONFIRE would serve as an excellent introduction to the genre...High fantasy demands that the hero confront evil in a climactic, winner-take-all battle, and Bradford provides the necessary conflict, but with a surprise twist which will leave readers eager to discuss the book's theme. Though the various plot threads are tied up at DRAGONFIRE's conclusion, the uncertain futures of the central characters hint at a possible sequel." Recommended. -- Reviewed by Dave Jenkinson, Children's and Young Adult Literature Professor, University of Manitoba, Canadian Book Review Annual, 1998.
"Karleen Bradford's latest novel draws upon medieval cosmology, Jungian psychology, and classic adventure-suspense to produce an intelligent and entertaining fantasy for young readers." -- Reviewed by Bridget Donald, Quill & Quire, December 1997. Starred Review
"The sword fights and encounters with dragons that mark Dahl's struggle towards reclaiming his throne are only part of this story. At a deeper level, Dragonfire is powered by Dahl's relationship with what Carl Jung called the shadow: that darker, unknown side of oneself that must be met and embraced if true growth is to occur. Dahl's final battle with The Usurper is one of the most thrilling encounters with the shadow in children's literature." -- Reviewed by John Bemrose, Maclean's Magazine, November 1997.
"With DRAGONFIRE, (Bradford) shows that she can craft fantasy with...a deft sense for the telling detail...it's more than difficult to put the book down." -- The Edmonton Journal
Karleen Bradford, author of 14 YA novels, many of them historical fiction, moves confidently into high fantasy with DRAGONFIRE...Bradford uses the conventions of high fantasy well to create a fast-paced, intriguing adventure. But, like all good fantasies, this story is also an allegory for the human condition; even as Dahl grows more confident of his powers, he meets the dark side of his own personality and comes to realize that the dragon inside is more dangerous than the ones he can see. -- Reviewed by Barbara Greenwood, City Parent, April 1998 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
"Karleen Bradford's latest novel draws upon medieval cosmology, Jungian psychology, and classic adventure-suspense to produce an intelligent and entertaining fantasy for young readers." -- Reviewed by Bridget Donald, Quill & Quire, December 1997. Starred Review
"The sword fights and encounters with dragons that mark Dahl's struggle towards reclaiming his throne are only part of this story. At a deeper level, Dragonfire is powered by Dahl's relationship with what Carl Jung called the shadow: that darker, unknown side of oneself that must be met and embraced if true growth is to occur. Dahl's final battle with The Usurper is one of the most thrilling encounters with the shadow in children's literature." -- Reviewed by John Bemrose, Maclean's Magazine, November 1997.
"With DRAGONFIRE, (Bradford) shows that she can craft fantasy with...a deft sense for the telling detail...it's more than difficult to put the book down." -- The Edmonton Journal
Karleen Bradford, author of 14 YA novels, many of them historical fiction, moves confidently into high fantasy with DRAGONFIRE...Bradford uses the conventions of high fantasy well to create a fast-paced, intriguing adventure. But, like all good fantasies, this story is also an allegory for the human condition; even as Dahl grows more confident of his powers, he meets the dark side of his own personality and comes to realize that the dragon inside is more dangerous than the ones he can see. -- Reviewed by Barbara Greenwood, City Parent, April 1998 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
We meet him as a nameless stable boy. His only friend is Catryn, the servant girl, and even she doesn't know who he truly is. He is Dahl, the King of Taun, a once-beautiful land now on the brink of destruction. Hidden on earth since his birth, Dahl knows that the Usurper has stolen his rightful place on the throne of Taun and that he must someday rescue his homeland. But when the time comes, Dahl is plagued by doubt: "Can he do it? Does he have the courage to fight the Usurper? And what about Catryn who, despite his warnings, has slipped through time and space to be with him? This is a fantasy about good and evil, but with a twist.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
