The Story of Owen Dragon Slayer of Trondheim: A Review
In the interest of full disclosure,
I’m not certain how quickly I would have chosen to read E. K. Johnston’s book
based on the title. However, a
friend of mine recommended it and I am very glad she did.
The story is set in a world very
similar to the one we live in — with the addition of dragons. Dragons and humans alike have a taste
for fossil fuels. The more
industrial an area becomes the more attractive it is for dragons who consume
emissions from automobiles, coal burning electrical power plants, oil
refineries and so forth. They also
consume anyone who happens to be around the carbon emission.
One of the aspects of the book I
particularly enjoyed was the author’s clever insertion of dragons into
identifiable historical events.
She manages this, in part, through assignments given to the dragon
slayer and his friend, the narrator, in history class. It is a remarkable way to tell the back
story that preceded the event in the novel.
When the book opens Owen is
sixteen. He has just moved into
the small town of Trondheim with his aunt Lottie, a world-famous slayer, his
father and other members of his family.
Although he is spindly, awaiting a growth spurt, which will give him the
strong body of a slayer, he is learning the skills of a dragon slayer from his
family. He is also attending high
school and struggling to also complete homework and study for tests.
The narrator is Siobhan McQuaid , a
classmate and a friend of Owen’s who has unusual musical talent. Another aspect of the book I
enjoyed is the author’s depiction of Siobhan’s internal thoughts, which often
take the form of a musical background to the events taking place in front of
her.
I found both characters to be
believable, likable adolescents who face dragons in addition to more mundane
issues. The combination of
alternative history and fantasy allows the author plenty of opportunity for
humor, commentary on social issues, and exploration of themes including family,
friendship and bravery.
I liked this book very much. I
recommend it highly.
What have you read lately that you
would recommend?
The book sounds intriguing from your description, Warren. I read an occasional science fiction book among all the mystery. If the author can draw me into a different world, then I'm hooked. I enjoyed the movie, How To Train Your Dragon, so perhaps the book will entice me. You didn't give us a clue about the plot, though. Is there a special challenge the two friends must rise to?
ReplyDeleteE.B.,
ReplyDeleteThere are challenges throughout the book, which culminate in a satisfying ending that took me by surprise.
I probably wouldn't have picked up the book based on the title either. But it sounds intriguing. I think it's clever that the author gave dragons a taste for fossil fuels.
ReplyDeleteIt's very cleverly written.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds wonderful, Warren. Dragons are hot with young readers (sorry about that, I couldn't help myself!)
ReplyDelete