Title: War of the Dragon King
Author: Mary Jay
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co.
ISBN: 978-1685371050
Pages: 544
Genre: Fantasy
Reviewer: Ephantus M.
Hollywood Book Reviews
In author Mary Jay’s War of the Dragon King, a young adolescent named Egil is sent by his father to the Ranger’s Guild at the king’s request to learn to become one of the highest-ranking archers in the kingdom. However, his lack of experience with weapons, the necessary agility and marksmanship, make him feel the least qualified for this choice. Due to his noble status, he is treated unfairly and mocked at the camp, and he quickly learns that no one wants him there. However, he will not let anyone enjoy the satisfaction of seeing him quit, no matter how much they despise him or refer to him as “the trash.”
When he comes into contact with an injured dragon who has shown up to exact revenge on his dead mate – who was slain by the king as he tested his new weapon in their land – an unusual friendship is forged. Following his discovery of some truths regarding the misperceptions surrounding dragons, Egil develops an indomitable desire to thwart the king’s plans – a man whose cruelty and avarice nearly force the dragons from their home.
Egil is a one-of-a-kind protagonist who transforms from a stubborn to an improbable hero. Although his three years of training are filled with hardships and frequent injuries, he finds solace in Lilian, an elemental mage who is also training at the camp. With the help of several others, most notably Master Molark, his squad leader, who was the first to criticize him for having royal ancestry in his early days at the camp, the plot follows him as he changes into a version of himself he could never have imagined.
From start to finish, this action-packed coming-of-age story will not let you down. It contains profound themes and analogies to the power of friendship, collaboration, fortitude, and romance. Its length gives the reader ample opportunity to become engrossed in the story and establish a personal connection with the characters.
Anyone about to give up can learn a lot from War of the Dragon King. It is a really delightful story that unequivocally confirms Demi Lovato’s well-known statement, “I think scars are like battle wounds – beautiful in a way. They show what you’ve been through and how strong you are for coming out of it.” I highly recommend it!