DRAGON RUN
SUMMARY
A boy goes on the run in this fast-paced fantasy debut.
Can a zero become a hero?
Testing Day is supposed to be a day of celebration for Al Pilgrommor. Born into a wealthy family, he expects to follow in his successful father's footsteps. Of course, that all depends on the rank number Al receives at the testing. The higher the rank he has tattooed onto his neck, the better his life will be.
To his surprise and horror, Al is revealed to be rank zero, the lowest of the low. He's now not only an outcast - he's also a danger to his entire family. So Al goes on the run, fleeing the brutal Cullers, men who hunt down zeroes . . . and put them to death.
Cast out of his home, cut off from his friends, and armed with only a sword and his wits, Al is reduced to just surviving. As he meets other outcasts, however, he begins to suspect that he is a pawn in a larger game - and that he might have the power to tip the scales in a high-stakes struggle between man and dragon.
Can a zero become a hero?
Testing Day is supposed to be a day of celebration for Al Pilgrommor. Born into a wealthy family, he expects to follow in his successful father's footsteps. Of course, that all depends on the rank number Al receives at the testing. The higher the rank he has tattooed onto his neck, the better his life will be.
To his surprise and horror, Al is revealed to be rank zero, the lowest of the low. He's now not only an outcast - he's also a danger to his entire family. So Al goes on the run, fleeing the brutal Cullers, men who hunt down zeroes . . . and put them to death.
Cast out of his home, cut off from his friends, and armed with only a sword and his wits, Al is reduced to just surviving. As he meets other outcasts, however, he begins to suspect that he is a pawn in a larger game - and that he might have the power to tip the scales in a high-stakes struggle between man and dragon.
REVIEW
Not only does Dragon Run have a great cover, but it also was a
great story.
Patrick Matthews has created a fun, exciting, action packed
story that is full of relatable and realistic characters. Truly a book I’d
recommend to anyone looking for a good read.
As mentioned Dragon Run is full of action. It has sword
fights, daring escapes from killers, and fire breathing dragons. The story
though is what really hooked me and kept me glued to the pages. Dragon Run is
fast paced, explains itself, so reader’s are not left with gaping holes in the
story, and just plain well written. I really enjoyed every page and couldn’t
wait to see what happened next to Al, Trillia, Bird, and Wisp. This is book is
great for readers of all ages.
Of course, what made Dragon Run such a great book in my
opinion were the characters. Matthews does an amazing job creating a group of
characters (especially the protagonist Al) who show real emotions in a way that
readers will be able to commiserate with the lots fate has thrown at them. Not
only that, but while these 12 year olds do make a big difference (they being
the protagonists and all) it wasn’t completely out of the blue. The fulfilled
plans that had been in place for generations. Al’s sword fighting ability was
good, but not extraordinary, his escapes from a dungeon, the Cullers, and the
magistrate were all because of the help of others. Basically what I’m saying is
while Al does turn the tide, everything that takes place in the book makes
sense and is realistic. Society is not changed forever because one boy decided
to make it so in a matter of days. Even Al’s escape and exile lasted weeks on
end, and none of it could have been achieved if not for the help of others.
Further, none of the characters emotions are fake. Readers will be able to see
the shift from shock, to acceptance, to anger, to resentment, to determination,
and all of the changes will make sense.
INFO
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: March 1, 2013
Price: $16.99
Link to Buy: http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Run-Patrick-Matthews/dp/0545450683/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361768565&sr=1-1&keywords=dragon+run
Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI just added a quiz to the book's web site that you might be interested in. The idea is to answer six little questions and find out where you'd fit in as a character in the book.
It's at www.dragon-run.com/jointheworld.php.
Thanks again!
- Pat