DragonSpell (Dragon Keepers Chronicles, Book 1) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8–After 14 years as a slave girl in the village of River Away, Kale is free, because of a dragon's egg. Since she found it, the village elders have decided that she must present herself and the egg to the great wizards of the walled city of Vendela, where she expects to become a servant of Paladin, the earthly representative of Wulder, supreme being of Amara. Her journey is interrupted first by attacking ogres, then by a detour into a cave that hides seven more dragon eggs, and finally by a daring escape aided by dragon-riding rescuers who become Kale's guides, tutors, and closest cohorts on her travels. Two of her precious eggs hatch on the way and become her constant companions–first green Gymn, who heals, and then purple Metta, who sings. To them, Kale is much more than just a slave girl–she is the last of the great Allerion dragon-keepers. This is classic quest fantasy with echoes of J. R. R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy (Houghton) and of Christopher Paolini's Eragon (Knopf, 2003). As in C. S. Lewis's "Narnia" books (HarperCollins), Christian allegories and messages are clearly presented and easily found, but it is equally possible to read this as Kale's story as it happened in Amara, a world completely separate from our own. It would be a shame to limit readership by relegating this clever and inventive story to the genre of Christian fiction. There is plenty of room for sequels, and readers will want to know much more about Kale and the remainder of her quest.–Susan L. Rogers, Chestnut Hill Academy, PA
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Review

In Dragonspell, Donita K. Paul has created an amazing world of fantasy adventure. From riding on dragons to jumping off cliffs to moving mountains, this story is sure to spark a reader's imagination young and old. And with a message of identity transformed from slavery to servanthood, it's a book families will love reading and discussing together.
Christopher P. N. Maselli, children's author of Reality Shift and founder of TruthPop.com

A reluctant heroine, her fainting dragon, and an assortment of colorful companions make for a delightful read in Donita K. Paul's Dragonspell. This is adventure and fantasy at its finest a must read for the imaginative soul.
Linda Windsor, award-winning author of Along Came Jones and the Fires of Gleannmara trilogy

Dragonspell is a fine, well-written tale guaranteed to entertain both old and young alike. This was proven in our household when our eleven-year-old son snatched up the book and devoured it. Upon returning it, he exclaimed, It's good!high praise from a rabid fan of Tolkein, Lewis, Jacques and company. I can only nod my head in agreement.
Christopher A. Lane, Gold Medallion and C.S. Lewis award-winning author of children's and adult fiction

Inventive, engaging, witty, insightful, touching, and profound Dragonspell is all this and more. If Donita K. Paul's only intention was to create a world where readers encounter novelties and wonders at every turn, then she has succeeded admirably. But she actually does much more than this: she enables us to see our relationship with God and His world through new eyes. A delight for all true fans of fantasy literature.
Jim Ware, author of God of the Fairy Tale and co-author of Finding God in the Lord of the Rings

Enchanting! A perilous quest, a timeless battle, an unlikely heroine, and a rousing adventure in a world of magic and mystery Donita K. Paul has concocted a tale brimming with eternal truth and seasoned with delightful and amazing characters that linger in the senses long after the last page. Dragonspell is destined to become a classic for a new generation of adventurers!
Susan May Warren, award-winning author of Happily Ever After

The greatest thing any author can do is to catch you up and transport you right into the very scene, the very action, the story . . . in such a way that you live the book, not merely read it. That is exactly what Donita K. Paul does with Dragonspell. For a few hours, you will take a journey to a place you have never been, with a story you will never forget. Enjoy the trip!
Stephen Bly, author of Paperback Writer and Christy-award-winning The Long Trail Home

Dragonspell is a tightly written fantasy quest set in an extraordinarily rendered storyworld. With seven intelligent races, seven evil races, several delightful dragons, one weird wizard, and an endless supply of exotic plants and animals, you will NOT be bored.
Randy Ingermanson, Christy award-winning author of Oxygen and Premonition

No one will ever be able to read this and doubt that Christian fantasy is a viable genre for spreading God's word.
Christine Lynxwiler, president of American Christian Romance Writers

Charming, well-drawn characters, a story chock full of adventures and misadventures, a land populated with dragons, doneels, emerlindians, grawligs, and all sorts of other fascinating inhabitants I ask you, what more could any reader want With Dragonspell, Donita K. Paul has nailed a complex and engaging fantasy world. Whether nine or ninety, you won't be disappointed.
Kathleen Morgan, author of Consuming Fire and All Good Gifts

Dragonspell has a heart-thumping, page-turning plot that is sure to captivate and enthrall even the most reluctant reader!
Peggy Wilber, author of Reading Rescue 1-2-3
-- Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1st Printing edition (June 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578568234
• ISBN-13: 978-1578568239
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,653 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 4 1/2 Stars...Pulsing With Life, August 20, 2004

By	Eric Wilson "novelist" (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

My daughters and I spent enjoyable evenings reading this fantasy novel throughout the summer. They loved Kale and her quest. We laughed at some of the characters' antics, wished for cute little dragons as pets, and raced through the confrontations with natural and unnatural foes.

The story starts with Kale as a young slave girl. Slowly she discovers she is more than a slave girl; she is a woman destined for great things. As she searches for the fabled meech egg, she accepts the role that is hers and she makes many new friends along the way. "Dragonspell" implies more contact with dragons, and indeed dragons are an important part of the background, as well as a driving factor in Kale's quest. But my daughters and I all hoped for a little more of the dragon scenes. We especially had a soft spot for Celisse. I'm sure dragons will be explored more in the sequel.

Paul's writing is full of imagery and world-building. The allegorical aspects are clear, but never heavyhanded. Christian themes ring true. Most of this fantasy land will seem somewhat familiar to avid readers, yet it still pulses with a life and imagination all its own. The names are fun and evocative. The characters are many, but memorable.

This is one family who will be waiting anxiously for the next in Donita Paul's series.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story, with alagorical twist, April 20, 2005

By	Lorraine Fuller "Book mom" (Flower Mound, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My son is big into dragons right now. He loves fantasy. How nice it was to find a book which not only indulged that but had a good message. My husband read this book to both of my boys as bedtime reading. They loved it. The message does not beat you over the head as some Christian fiction does, but is much more subtle at least for the kids. My 10 and almost 12 year olds were entrhalled and can't wait to read the sequel.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Light-Hearted Fantasy With A Message Of Depth, August 27, 2005

By	Brian Austin (Durham, Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This books somehow achieves that elusive balance of light-hearted fantasy with a passionate message about the love of God in the midst of the hurts and confusions of life. A fun and entertaining read, the message is unobtrusive, but so integral to the story that you ache for a closer relationship with Palidan and his Father, Wulder.

It is a very rare talent to stimulate that hunger for a closer relationship with virtually no churchy language or theological jargon. It is rarer still to do so with simple language showing gripping and imaginative characters involved in a desperate battle - while keeping the tone upbeat and hopeful. The good dragons are a surprising and delightful twist against preconceived notions that all dragons must be evil.

Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia in the imaginative creatures and characters, this has a tone and flavor all its own. Readers who loved the Chronicles will love this also. Yet they should come to it expecting something new and fresh. They won't be disappointed.

I am eagerly anticipating dipping into the sequel - savoring it - like a second helping of dessert that is just a bit too rich for one sitting.

Altogether a wonderful book