Dragon Blood by Patricia Briggs

From the Publisher

Irresistible fantasy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author.

As the rebellion grows against High King Jakoven, Ward, ruler of Hurog, realizes he must join with the rebels. However, Jakoven can crush his enemies with dragon's blood. The very blood that courses through Ward's veins.

David Goodale - VOYA

Ward, hero of Dragon Bones (Ace, 2002/VOYA October 2002), returns in this sequel that picks up several years later. Ward is now ruler of Hurog and wants nothing to do with political intrigue. Nevertheless, through circumstances beyond his control, Ward must join a diverse group of allies and become part of the rebellion against the cruel King Jakoven. King Jakoven has a secret weapon at his disposal-Farsonbane, a magical stone that can be triggered only with dragon's blood. When King Jakoven tortures Ward, he discovers that Ward's blood is the very thing that he needs to wield Farsonbane. After Ward escapes, the action intensifies with Ward playing the role of the reluctant hero. Ward is a likeable hero because he is not perfect, although he has many admirable qualities. At times, he is just trying to survive the hand that he has been dealt. This novel has action, but the characters are what make the book intriguing. There is also a romantic element to the story that many teens will appreciate. This novel is definitely not for the reluctant reader. It took this reviewer some time to get into it, but in the end it was enjoyable and would be a fine purchase for public or school libraries where teens enjoy fantasy that goes beyond typical hack and slash. Reading the first book is helpful but not essential to understanding. VOYA Codes: 3Q 2P J S A/YA (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2003, Ace, 275p,

Liz LaValley - KLIATT

The story picks up from its prequel, Dragon Bones, some years later, with Ward of Hurog Keep having gotten used to being the secret guardian of his own live dragon, Oreg, who is centuries old and full of magic. Oreg primarily remains in boy form to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Ward has some magic of his own, and has to collapse the fortress walls to prevent scheming mages from gaining access to dragon bones chained in the caves beneath. His destruction of the old curse has freed Oreg and lifted the evil poisoning much of the surrounding land, but Ward lacks connected walls, a front gate and an army to fend off any large-scale invasion. Thus, when a troop from Jakoven, King of the Five Kingdoms, arrives at the gate with a command to appear at court, Ward complies until he can discover what plan Jakoven has contrived. Ward has been informed of a growing rebellion from Tisala, a woman who had helped him in his last conflict, when she escaped to him, tortured and severely damaged. Ward suspects the king's writ is an opportunity to prove him incompetent and take over the Hurog keep in a political maneuver. After he is imprisoned in the same mage's asylum as the king's brother, Kellen, Ward is drugged and tortured not for land but for his blood. Jakoven has found the Faronsbane, an artifact containing the imprisoned spirits of three dragons, and the cause of destruction of civilization once before. To wield it, the user must douse it with the blood of a dragon and Jakoven suspects Ward's ancestry will work. Ward's fears worsen as he realizes that not only is he in danger of losing Hurog but everyone in his bloodline, especially if Jakoven discovers a true dragon still resides in theancient keep. The characters are fully developed, alternating action with affection and salvation. There are some excellent creepy bits, a beginning torture scene that never descends into disgusting, a very sweet romance and a terrific storyline. This is an engrossing read; I'm looking forward to the next installment of the adventures of Ward of Hurog. KLIATT Codes: JSA—Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2003, Berkeley, Ace, 275p.,

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