Tears of a Dragon (Dragons in Our Midst, #4) by Bryan Davis

Tears of a Dragon (Dragons in Our Midst, #4) Reviews

• 
  Nate Philbrick

  This book was instrumental during my early teen years. Some of the quotes and dialog lines still stick with me.
• 
  Tracey Dyck

  Loved it even more on this reread. Full review to come once exams are over!
  
  ***
  
  Full Review:
  
  Of all four Dragons in Our Midst books, this is the one I remembered the least plot-wise. So it was rather fun to return to it and refresh my memory! This time around, I especially appreciated how Bryan Davis concluded the series. If I didn't know there were eight more books following DIOM, I would be content with this ending. It's solid and satisfying. (But there are definitely a few things that make me very glad the story continues in Oracles of Fire!)
  
  
  The main characters of Tears of a Dragon have all grown and changed significantly since the first book, and it shows. Elements introduced earlier gain greater importance as resurrected dragons face off with the Watchers, and Billy and Bonnie seek to free several key characters from another dimension called Dragon's Rest. The core story thread, Billy's relationship with his father, becomes even more compelling here too. I just love these characters so much!
  
  And that ending . . . it still brought tears to my eyes, even though I've read it a few times! 5 stars all the way!
• 
  Shelbie

  What a great ending to the series! I'm not sure who I like most, Billy, Bonnie, or Walter! Oh dear, that Walter.
  
  That ending--whew!
• 
  Kris

  Incredibly cheesy, shallow, simplistic, unrealistic, and condescending (in a lighthearted sort of way). With flat characters, patronizing dialogue, and meaningless villains and death, nothing in this book can be taken seriously.
  
  Medieval sorceresses and hellish demons that say things like "Enough chichat!" or "Oh, don't play dumb, my little brainiac." or "I know you're up to something," or "What do you think I am, your tour guide? I'll shake this plane so hard, you'll hear your own bones rattle!" The protagonists spout things like "Right! The black stuff nailed her!" or ramble off jokes like "the dragon slayer vacuum cleaner" at the most inappropriate times. It essentially kills any dramatic tension that could have been sustained.
  
  Every character in this series speaks in the exact same way, with no distinction made between teenagers, middle-aged adults and centuries-old knights. Davis tries and fails to bring in some fancy-sounding words, but because his world is so shallow, his ideas fall flat. No modern teenager writes or talks like Bonnie Silver does, (I don't care how gifted or smart they are) such as when she conveniently writes a letter explaining the plot in the previous books. Davis just inserts his own explanations of what's going on into any character's mouth, with little regard for the characters themselves.
  
  Not only that, but by book four, the kids' voices should have changed by now, yet there's no discernible growth or maturity to be seen. Davis just tells the reader things have changed. In fact, some characters seem to regress in this book, like Bonnie, who takes a backseat to the action while "Billy the king" gets to take part in the plot. All Bonnie does is pray and give encouraging looks, sitting there in her pretty dress and fake halo to be Billy's muse (offering emotional support because apparently that's all girls can do in Christian fiction, nowadays). Davis shoves hollow morality down the reader's throat by portraying the job of girls to be that of inventing useful stuff and healing people, so others can wrestle with demons -- there's no portrayal of women in this book overcoming anything more serious than their own silent fears.
  
  Everything is far too convenient, and therefore meaningless. We've got Ashley magically spewing healing laser beams out of her eyes, and, wouldn't you know it, there's no time to explain. Walter's father Carl suddenly knows how to use the magic properties of a sword right at the last moment. Merlin warns that Devin's spirit will disintegrate without a body, but the bodiless Professor can chat for several pages without going anywhere. Billy claims he has no idea what to do, but somehow he knows that he needs to disintegrate himself with a light-saber sword, to travel through a gemstone, to an in-between Purgatory place for dragons, to make un-dead dragon souls step through a theater screen at 3 o'clock, which is a gateway to earth powered by the prayers of faithful people... Ugh. I won't go on. It's just way too ridiculous to say aloud.
  
  Several people also die and/or are fatally wounded in this book, but there's no moments of real grief, and they're back on their feet again within the same chapter. Does Davis just kill characters whenever he feels like it? And then at other times the fighting is delayed just enough so a character can ask a question, notice something pretty, or display an emotion. Davis tries to make a big deal out of doubts about death or missing family members, but he solves every problem too easily, so it's all inconsequential. Horrifying things are going on in this book, and all the characters can do is make jokes about it.
  
  See this good review for the only other negative critique of this book on Goodreads:
  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
  
  All the young kids reviewing this book are SO excited about the action and seemingly intricate plot full of names, but this book doesn't really tackle the hard questions head on. It just mentions them through patronizing jokes, disguised in shiny dragon scales, propped up with a cardboard backstory. I would trade this stereotypical Christianese fiction for some Narnia -- heck, even some Harry Potter -- any day.
• 
  Alexa

  Update 9.30.13: Every time I read it, I love it a little more :D
• 
  Alyssa

  What I thought:
  
  Doesn’t that sound exciting? And the cover?? Oh, kill me now!! (uh, not literally! I’ve still got too many TBRs!!)
  
  Anywho, I LOVED this book!! And actually, it’s tied with Circles of Seven for being my favorite DioM book. It’s that good!!
  
  So, this one is a bit darker then the books prior. Like, it’s not dark, but yet it is. Does that make sense? Meaning I’d still let Trevor read it (which he *gasps* hasn’t finished the third book since he got into Harry Potter!!). But I kinda like it with the ‘darker’ feel to it.
  
  And, as from the title, there are dragon tears (ohmygoodness! ohmygoodness! ohmygoodness!), but I think that there were more of my tears. Yep. I. Cried. IT WAS SO SAD!! BUT SO GOOD!!! WHY MUST BRYAN DAVIS TORTURE MY EMOTIONS SO?!
  
  Ahem. Anyways, yes. I loved this. It was sad. But that’s mostly just a HUGE fangirl wail. Now I’ll give you an actual review. ;)
  
  Characters:
  
  Oh the characters! Why???!!!
  
  But, yes. I loved Shiloh. She. Is. Just. Awesome. And Billy and Bonnie? They’re always great! And then you have Professor Hamilton. And my personal favorite, Walter Foley. :)
  
  There’s not a whole lot I can say about the characters without SPOILERS, but they are completely and amazingly awesome! And they scare me half to death ALL THE TIME!!
  
  Plot/Writing:
  
  This had a great plot! Maybe a little slow at times, but overall it was fast paced and kept me quite engaged and never wanting to put it down!
  
  And I adore Bryan Davis’s writing! And while it improves a decent bit more in his later books, it’s still amazing in his early on novels. <3
  
  Problems:
  
  As above, there maybe were one or two slow parts, but not much!
  
  And IT MADE ME CRY!! WHY?!
  
  Also be warned, it has a cliff-hangery ending! Well, not like life/death situation, but still!!
  
  Other/Summary:
  
  Anyways, yes. There’s some darker stuff, and *sniffs* some deaths/injuries, tough decisions, nervewracking chapters, fighting! All the good stuff (and sad stuff…)!
  
  But there’s nothing bad enough for me to not want my brother to read it! And I’d once again, HIGHLY recommend this series to Christian fantasy lovers, pre-teens, YA, adults, (none of the above people). EVERYBODY! Seriously, I don’t know how I lived without these amazing friends!!
• 
  Barbara

  Was there ever a more nauseating writing style? Ugh. Why did I reread these? I actually liked them when I was a teenager. Now all I can see is plot holes galore, deus ex machina at every turn, naive idiot characters whose dialogue I can barely read without gagging... I hope this will be the stupidest book I read this year, I don't think I can bear a stupider one. And Bryan Davis's attempt to push sexism as a noble order of things had me just about ready to tear up this pile of absolute, reeking shit. What's wrong with this dude?
• 
  Matthew Sampson

  I've finally remembered why I love these books. I love them because I've always dreamed of doing what Billy and Bonnie and Walter and the rest do. It's not an intellectual judgement, why I love these books. It's an emotional connection, a secret yearning.
  
  And there is something very beautiful about an ending.
  
  I've changed my mind about this book since reading it last. It's no longer my least favourite in the four Dragons in Our Midst series. I don't know why I liked it less the other times. I like it much more now.
• 
  Yakira Goldsberry

  A perfect ending to a perfect series!
  
  Tears of a Dragon was a lot shorter than I remember, but it was still cram-packed full of action and emotion. And reading the end was like watching the end of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, when the children return from Narnia. It’s a bittersweet ending that leaves you hoping for more. So many things from the first book were called back on in this last installment and that was a rather clever move. I found myself laughing and feeling like I had gone on this adventure with all of these characters as well.
  
  Bryan Davis is a truly magical author, and no one can tell me otherwise. The ending of the book ties up all loose ends while leaving a few threads for us to follow into the next series while still giving that satisfying finale with our characters safe once more and a new and exciting adventure on the horizon.
  
  While Circles of Seven is my favorite of this series, Tears of a Dragon comes in a close third (with Raising Dragons being my second favorite as it’s the first book in the series).
  
  I’m so glad I took the time to reread this series. It’s left me both invigorated and inspired and I thank Mr. Davis for never giving up on these books and getting them out into the world despite the challenges.
• 
  Integral

  I really enjoyed the first book 'Raising Dragons', but the rest of the series is a bit iffy for me. For example, every death in this series feels cheap and Merlin's comment about the Greek language is abrasive, to put things mildly.
• 
  Lindsi McIntyre

  The last book in Dragons in our Midst does not disappoint.
  You will be on the edge of your seat during this thrilling conclusion.
  But don't worry. There's plenty more to come in the second series set in this fictional universe. :D
• 
  Daniel Gaul

  A most satisfying end to the awesome epic!
• 
  Heather Gilpin

  A very fun, yet bitter sweet read. I really enjoyed it
• 
  Esther Allen

  A bit sad
• 
  Kelsey

  Hated it don't know why I liked the first book but plot line is just flat out weird
• 
  Cyber

  The book got into too much detail on dark things, if the books didn't have such an insight on things we shouldn't have any insight on I would have like it.
• 
  Kitty

  Amazing! Really just a breathtaking book that always has you on the edge of you seat!😊
• 
  E. Joy

  Frankly, I found it rather confusing, but an exciting ending to the series! 2.5 stars.
• 
  Maya Joelle

  A disappointing ending. Don't worry, there are eight more books for you to read now!!!
• 
  Faith Burnside

  A really fantastic concept, burdened with awkwardness, sexism, poor execution and horrifying theology. Possibly even blasphemy.
• 
  Brooke

  Very immersive.
• 
  Sarah

  2022 Series Review:
  When I first read the Dragons in Our Midst series not long after this book released, it quickly hit my favorites list. The Oracles of Fire series took me a little longer to win me over, but eventually, it joined its predecessor on my top ten (technically sharing a space, as you really can't have one without the other). But time went on, and my growing reading list meant I reread less, and before long, years had passed without my touching these books (except to occasionally take Bookstagram photos). And the question arose: were they as good as I remembered? Other favorites from that time had fallen in favor as I found other stories that I loved more and that rang more true and as I discovered other authors with lovelier writing. Would Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire hold up?
  
  In October 2021, I decided to find out. And as I delved into the familiar pages, I quickly found myself falling in love again with the story, characters, and themes, all of which were as excellent as I remembered — or, in some cases, better. Maturity on my part meant I could better appreciate certain characters and choices that had frustrated the younger me and that I could more clearly see the spiritual truths Davis weaves into every page of his writing. And books I originally didn't love — mostly Tears of a Dragon, Enoch's Ghost, and The Bones of Makaidos — I found I liked much better this time around because, again, I could better appreciate the themes, particularly the theme of sacrifice that runs so strongly through this series.
  
  It's bit interesting for me to think that in some ways, these books were published at the last possible moment that they could've been really successful, both in- and out-of-story. In-story, the increasing omnipresence of the internet and surveillance and just the increased number of people with cameras on their phones would've made it nearly impossible for the dragons and anthrozils to stay hidden (especially in the case of LITERAL dragons or Bonnie and her wings) — and that's not even starting on the events at the end of Circles of Seven or the merging of Earth and Hell in Oracles of Fire. Those were a Big Deal in the story; they'd be receiving hundreds of times more attention and panic today.
  
  And out-of-story, well, you can't get far into these books without recognizing that Davis isn't exactly subtle with his spiritual themes. Even compared to other books of the time, these books are saturated with Biblical truth, scripture, allegory, and messages — I would argue even more so than some books that were explicitly allegorical. It's even more evident compared to a lot of Christian fiction today, which tends to be much more subtle. But honestly? It's kind of refreshing to read a book that's so in-your-face about these things.
  
  So, do these books hold up? Absolutely. If you've never read them before, pick them up. And if you have read them before, well, don't you think it might be time for a reread?
• 
  Gloria

  This final book in the series finishes the struggle Bonnie and Billy have with Morgan and Devin.
  
  In this particular book, Morgan (introduced in the Circles of Seven book) finds a hostiam in the body of Walter's older sister. The Watchers, released from the alternate dimension, work with Morgan to release Devin, trapped in a candlestone. Through various machinations, Ashley is forced to help them with the equipment reclaimed from the collapsed lab (see book 2, the Candlestone).
  
  Meanwhile, Billy and Bonnie enter into a different alternate dimension, named the Dragon's Rest. It is explained that because dragons have no souls, a redeemer that is both dragon and human has to come to rescue them. Bonnie recognizes it as the scene from the sixth circle - the one that Shiloh was trapped in. The dimensions overlapped so that Shiloh could see the people, but the people believed she was a dream. Within the town, there is a mayor, Jasmine, who gives prophecies and opposes the two, wanting to keep everyone in the Dragon's Rest - even though after the king comes, he will escape and the dimension will be destroyed.
  
  As a major part of the story, the author interwove some patriarchal concepts. Morgan can only inhabit the hostiam either if they are given by a male authority over them, or if they are of age and give their own consent. When Bonnie was not given by Billy in Circles of Seven, Morgan needed to find another hostiam - and found one in Shelly, Walter's older sister. Furthermore, Billy was able to use Excalibur to create "King's Caps" over each of the women/girls who are there, signifying his authority as the king. In the book, the Watchers were the angels who mated with human women and the Nephilim in Genesis 6 - so the King's Cap would render the women completely invisible to their sight. Ashley left before she could get her "King's Cap", so the Watchers were able to capture her easily. But when Carl Foley, Shelly and Walter's father, reasserted his paternal authority over Shelly and was able to evacuate Morgan from Shelly without harming Shelly.
  
  The ending was mildly unsatisfying because Walter, Ashley, and some others left to find Ashley's brother, Gabriel. It is also left as unimportant the choice that Bonnie and Billy made because they loved each other, no matter the decision. This leaves open the possibility for a different series focusing on Walter and the other adventurers on their quest, but this seems to be the last book. (Goodreads has not joined the other series' to this one.)
• 
  Rachel

  Storyline - The final battle is near. There is just one more thing Billy and Bonnie have to do. They must go to where the dragon's spirits have been waiting to be freed and free them. Simple enough. But with Morgan on the loose and going after Billy's friends and the demons, the Watchers, getting ready for battle, the clock is ticking and everything is at stake. Also, the place where the dragons are is a strange place and not all the dragons believe Billy and Bonnie. Can they save the dragons and convince them to help them in this battle or is everything doomed?
  
  Positive - The characters are honorable and self sacrificial. They fight the evil that is not only coming after the dragons but also the world. The characters grow in faith and trust as they are tempted and tried. Billy has to grow the most to believe in God, his father, and an ancient prophecy that causes much mystery throughout the series until the end. Bonnie caries the most trust and faith and helps her friends, especially Billy, to gain that trust. She also sacrifices herself to save another who had be held captive in one of the books.
  
  Negative - There isn't much negative things in the books.
  
  Writing - Bryan Davis' writing is captivating and his storytelling original. The characters are good and try to do the right thing and the books tell and promote good morals and lessons.The wording and depictions are captivating and imaginative. This is an enjoyable author who is worth the time to read.
  
  Personal Opinion - I find the books entertaining and interesting. The characters develop well over the series and the hummer within the books are funny and not inappropriate (even though Walter burps in at least one book but that is about as bad as the hummer gets). They can get a little strange for my taste once in a while, but when a new Bryan Davis book comes out, I want to read it. Out of all the books in this series, I liked this one the best (don't know why though).
• 
  Nerissa

  Tears of a Dragon gives a heart-warming and stunning ending to the Dragons in our Midst series. The final battle of the Watchers and dragons was heart-wrenching and I simply seemed to be witnessing it personally. I absolutely adore the series, it brought me closer to God and taught me to have faith no matter what condition I am in. How Mr Davis had intertwined the legends, reality, spiritual truths, imagination and God into a single series was amazing! I can never imagine someone having the ability to write poems like that! The hair-raising events in the book kept me reading at every possible minutes, break, lunchtime and even the time after settling in my seat and waiting for the teacher to begin (oh yes, the book had been snatched away several times, but I was too deep in its magical spell to mind). I especially enjoyed how the author illustrated the story in several different point of view, there is always several things going on at once, making me so desperate to find out what happened to this character and that. But now I am sad that the time reading this series finally came to an end, almost like losing a friend. (but there's still the Oracles of Fire series! I'll bet its as amazing as this one!) I'll bet I could read this series a hundred times over again and dive into the magical world with new excitement every time. I just hoped there would be a more impressive ending, maybe a wedding or something like that...Wait! Should be a double wedding! Ashley and Walter surely! :) I will be thrilled to recommend the book to anyone! And it surely could make a great movie!