Dragon's Keep

| Tasha

Dragon’s Keep by Janet Lee Carey.

Ah what a joy!  I saw that this received several starred reviews and immediately put it on hold at the library. 

Merlin predicted 600 years ago that the 21st queen of Wilde Island would “redeem the name Pendragon.  End war with the wave of her hand.  And restore the glory of Wilde Island.”  Rosalind stands in line to be the 21st queen, but she has been born with a mark that disgraces her, one of her fingers is that of a dragon with scales and a talon.  She and her mother wear golden gloves to cover her mark, saying that a princess’ hands are only to be revealed to her husband.  Rosalind has to find a way to rid herself of her claw in time to be married to Prince Henry as her mother wishes.  But all of the healers try to cure her to no avail.  As time ticks away, people around Rosalind are killed by dragons and anyone who discovers her claw is found dead.  She must discover the strange connection between herself and the dragons and see if she can live to fulfill the prophecy.

Carey does the near impossible here and creates a unique and vibrant fantasy built upon Camelot and Merlin.  Rosie is a wonderful heroine, caught in a situation beyond her control but never turning away from her duty and destiny.  The writing is fluid and has an ease about it, allowing readers to become immersed in the tale.  There is a sudden twist in the middle of the book that lifts the story to new heights and changes the reader’s expectations entirely.  Rarely is that done with such skill and grace. 

Recommend to teens who enjoy fantasy as well as those who like princess tales.  There is no sexuality in the book, though plenty of gore, so many older elementary age children will enjoy it as well.  This one is certainly one of the best fantasies of the year.

5 thoughts on “Dragon's Keep”

  2. This book was amazing! Although the book was not extremely long, it seemed like I followed the characters their whole life. At first, I wanted to put it down and say “This wasn’t as good as I thought it would be” but I kept reading. One moment I think I know exactly what is going on – I understand the situation and I’m pretty confident I know what is going to happen next. Wrong. The next few chapters things are completely different – with unexpected twists and amazing characters, both good and bad. It felt like it was a story at the back of my heart just waiting to be revealed. When I finally put it down I pondered “Did I enjoy this book?” then I asked myself “Do I wish I had never read it?” I went over the whole story in my head, and with all I had I gave thanks that I had read the wonderful and touching story. I recommend it for ages 12 and up.

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  4. This book was great. I was hooked on the 2nd page. It usually takes 30 or so pages, but this didn’t. I loved it, I wouldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it for any kis in 5th to 8th grade, or someone who loves fantasy and dragons.

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  5. This book is probably the best book I’ve ever read! I stayed up so late reading it. It is so amazing I read it 2 hours yesterday and 4 hours today!

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