Reading Level: ages 9-12

DRAGON RIDER was the book written by Germany's top-selling children's author, Cornelia Funke, who made her US debut with THE THIEF LORD and followed with INKHEART. DRAGON RIDER is not as ambitious as the first two US entries but for me it is the most enjoyable. Perhaps it is the straightforward epic journey nature of the story that makes it a more pleasurable read. It is a sure bet to have appeal both boys and girls and is a passable adult read.

The story begins in modern day Scotland, where Rat rushes to a secluded valley to war an enclave of dragons that man is planning to flood the valley. A young dragon by the name of Firedrake, takes on the task of searching for the long forgotten ancestral home of dragons, the Rim of Heaven. He is joined on his journey by Sorrel, a petulant, mushroom munching brownie. In the tradition of Greek epics and Arabian Nights tales, their quest leads them from fantastic adventure to fantastic adventure. Along the way, an orphan boy named Ben becomes an integral part of ensemble cast.

The author populates her magical world with creatures both traditional (dwarves and fairies) and obscure. The obscure creatures include Nettlebrand, an evil faux dragon made of gold, and my favorite character, Twigleg, who is a tiny homunculus who is torn between the sides of good and evil.

I also was able to listen to the Listening Library audio book edition of DRAGON RIDER. The story is ably ready by film star, Brendan Fraser (the Mummy, George of the Jungle). Mr. Fraser is at his best when performing character dialog. On the downside, some of his narrative sequences were so quite I could not understand the words when listening while driving. Therefore, I would not recommend this audio book as a selection for a family road trip.  

— KB SHAW, Publisher, Spectrum - Member SCBWI