Official Review: dragon creed by susie hawes

[DarkestbeforeDawn]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "dragon creed" by susie hawes.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Dragon Creed is a quick fantasy read that is light, interesting, and lightly dusted with comedy. The characters are enjoyable in their simple goals and ambitions, the setting is a world not too foreign from the world today, and the story logically flows. The story is basically about a boy who becomes an apprentice to a dragon and how they work to relieve the damage of humankind on magical creatures. As a story that is more character-driven than plot-driven, it is a very simple setup and layout with a decent execution.

The world that the author, Susie Hawes, has created is one that could easily be ours, except for the existence of magical creatures and the supernatural. There exists dwarves, elves, shapeshifters, ghosts, demons, and dragons. However, with all these fantasy elements, the dialogue and the characters' mannerisms are quite modern. They speak in similar fashion to how people converse today. This places the world in a certain tilt and angle. However, it is quite easy to read; there is little to no slang or anything that would date the language. There are glimpses of modern speech that does make it a little awkward and jarring in relation to the overall book. However, they are very few and far in between. It's just a mild distraction at its worst. There are also pieces of the modern world such as magazines, casinos, and plumbing. It makes the world seem a little incongruous, but it is merely something that the reader accepts as reality and the obstacle is overcome. The world Dragon Creed takes place in is familiar enough to not warrant any further explanation, and the magical elements are integrated well enough that it seems organic, not forced.

The main characters, Fechum the dragon and Farquarte the human, are likeable and enjoyable to read and learn about. Fechum is an interesting character with a decorated backstory that is slowly shaded in as the book progresses. He has a certain charm that pardons his ferocity and stubbornness. Fechum follows the dragon creed, and thusly, he is the moral compass and mentor to Farquarte. Farquarte is the protagonist of the story; he is the one who learns, grows, and develops as the story progresses. As his relationship with Fechum continues, he inevitably must reconcile his human concerns and values with those of a dragon. The moral dilemmas addressed center around Farquarte and his ability to integrate dragon ideology and values with his human mind. The developing relationship between Farquarte and Fechum is warm, comedic, and believable. The relationship between the human and the dragon is one of the strengths of Dragon Creed. The minor characters are very minor; they haven't much personality or substance and work for the overall plot rather than exist as individuals. This isn't a particularly fatal flaw, as they are minor characters for a reason, but I feel with the inclusion of a romance, the love interest should have more character, instead of just being a character's girlfriend. Aside from the minor characters and their lack of substance, development, or personality, the focus is where it should be, on Fechum, Farquarte, and their relationship.

Surprisingly, for a story with so many mystical and magical elements, there is very little involved in the plot. The backstory actually holds more fantasy elements than the story itself. The fantasy is more in the background and the non-magical story is in the foreground. But, the book should be judged on what it is, and not what it isn't. The plot, for the most part, it's rather simple and ordinary. Upon seeing the corrupted government, the resulting poverty, and the mistreatment of magical minorities, Farquate takes it upon himself to fight these ills, while loosely adhering to the law. What Farquate wants is very simple and relatable to people today, but it is his method of execution that bolsters Dragon Creed as a fantasy novel. There is also another subplot, but it remains unresolved and reserved for an apparent sequel. For a fantasy novel that boasts of dragons, sorcerers, wizards, and demons, it seems a little lacking, but for the elements that it does possess, it is enough of a glimpse into the world of fantasy to be sated.

In conclusion, Dragon Creed is a pleasant fantasy read, worthy of 3 out of 4 stars. It certainly has its quirks, which give personality and charm to the novel itself. The main characters are relatable and admirable. Farquarte is a character with virtues and vices which make him a complex and dynamic character. The moral and mental dilemmas that he endures are engaging and merited. Even though the plot is arguably the weakest part of the novel, it is still notable and deals with familiar ills that could plague civilization today. The target audience for Dragon Creed is the high school crowd, with the presence of swearing and inappropriate subject matter for a younger audience. Looking at Dragon Creed by itself, it is a little weak to hold up against other fantasy novels. However, the book ends on a cliffhanger, which leads one to believe that there will be a sequel. Perhaps coupled with a sequel, Dragon Creed can be strengthened as a fantasy book and taken to a greater heights.
3 out of 4

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dragon creed
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Like DarkestbeforeDawn's review? Post a comment saying so!

[susiehawes]

Nice. Fair and an enjoyable read. Thank you for your hard work.

[Rachaelamb1]

Great review! I'm not a huge fan of modern day fantasy, but it sounds like this book (or series) has promise.

[nostalgiavirtue]

This sounds like a great book to read! Thank for the review!

[warriorofmirrors]

I love modern fantasy. I hope that there is enough of the elements for me to enjoy!

[literarychemist]

I always love some dragon stories!

[kimmyschemy06]

I love fantasy books like Eragon and the entire Inheritance Series, so I think I'm going to like this one. However, I can't remember reading something with a dragon and plumbing in it. Nice job on the review!

[savagelion]

Nice review, you really like to emphasize on characters.

[DarkestbeforeDawn]

Nice. Fair and an enjoyable read. Thank you for your hard work.

Thanks for sending your book out there and providing a paid opportunity for us reviewers. I hope that I have fairly reviewed your work and you find success as an author.