Dragons of the Valley (Valley of the Dragons, #2) by Donita K. Paul

Dragons of the Valley (Valley of the Dragons, #2) Reviews

• 
  Brenda

  If I were giving away an award to an author with the most imagination, I would probably give it to Donita K. Paul. I've read all of her books so far, and have never failed to be amazed at how imaginative and just plain amazing her world-building is.
  
  Dragons of the Valley is no exception, and I enjoyed myself the whole way through. These are characters you come to love and a story with enough action that you'll want to keep reading. There's not very much Christian fantasy out there, and I really appreciate Christian authors who put out good books like these.
  
  The religion is not too heavy handed, which I always watch for and try to warn other readers of in my reviews. This can be read and enjoyed by anyone who's looking for a fun fantasy. It's part of a series, but I think it can be read on it's own just fine. I would recommend all of Donita K. Paul's books, though, starting with the Dragonkeeper Chronicles and then continuing on from there.
• 
  Lisa

  If I had to chose one word to describe Donita K. Paul's fantasy, it's "colorful". Her books are really unique and special - unlike any other fantasy I've ever seen. This was a fine sequel to its predecessor, The Dragons of Chiril (or The Vanishing Sculptor, whichever you want to call it). And it was almost as good as The Dragon Keeper Chronicles; I think it's just that I like that series better because I discovered it first and I am so attached to those characters. Speaking of characters, the characters in these books are incredibly ... personable? (I don't even know what I mean here.) So special I can't think of anyone else to compare them to. The races are fascinating and unique and confusing sometimes so I'm glad there's a glossary! And the quests are really one-of-a-kind. Sometimes I lose track of what's going on where because they have so many things to do in so many places - it's not all simple, you know. And in the middle of these urgent missions and epic battles the books still take time for the details and the little things and the humor! And there's Wulder, the one true God of this world, and I love those books that have God in them and portray him so wonderfully. Did I mention in this series I got to meet Fen and Liberttowit again? It's like meeting your old friends centuries ago (or just one year after your first read of them, whichever you want) and IT'S SO AWESOME!!! I love Fenworth so much. So, guys, Donita K. Paul's books deserve your attention and recognition because of the amazing and unlike-any-other world, characters, quests they have invented.
• 
  Abby

  it has been a long time since i've read a book that had so much happen but was so boring at the same time. 2.5 stars.
• 
  Amanda Stephan

  This is the first book I've read from Donita K. Paul and what an introduction! She's made it to my safe-for-my-kids list ~ NOT an easy feat! (I'm a very picky mother that takes an interest in what my children read. I'm not usually one for dragons and such, but this was a good book.)
  
  
  Wizards, an arrogant King, reluctant heroes, evil villains, and mystical creatures, Ms. Paul leaves nothing out. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent here. If you loved C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien, you'll probably enjoy this book.
  
  
  Would I recommend this? Yes!
  
  Would I read more of Ms. Paul's books? Absolutely!
  
  My rating? 5 stars!
  
  
  **I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.**
  
  
  
• 
  Naomi Brignola-van calster

  I enjoyed reading this book, but I can't say I will every want to read it again, unless maybe reading it aloud to my children when they get older.
  
  The pace of the story is a bit faster then the first in this series, but I still didn't get the feeling that I was really transported to this world. The illusion of a different world was very shallowly painted by using some made up animals and foods, but somehow it wasn't enough.
  
  The story itself was ok, but the characters were a little one-sided and not that interesting.
• 
  Beka

  There was a lot of great character growth in this book, and I'm so glad that things wrapped up like they did.
• 
  Katie

  While this book was a nice read – perfect for just about any member of the family – I wasn’t too crazy about it. I am not that big into fantasy books, so that might have been half my problem when diving into this book. But on the upscale, I enjoyed my adventure into this fantasy land. Tipper was a fun character that I instantly attached myself to – both for her quick wit and loyal courage. The cautious and sensible Beolomondore was also fun to get to know as he discovered new strengths in becoming a swordsman who could help save the land of Chiril.
  
  The land of Chiril seemed like a neat place willed with interesting beings. Donita certainly put on her creativity hat when writing this series! I don’t think there was one normal living thing in this land. One piece of advice I would give, though – read this series in order. I entered this book completely confused as to who was who and what was what! I had no idea what kinds of being ‘tumanhofer’, ‘kimen’, or ‘emerlindians’ were. I felt extremely lost as I was reading about all these creatures and trying to understand who they were. It wasn’t until I was nearly finished with the book that I discovered an appendix in the back that explained what all the beings were and who was what! :-) So, I think it’s best to read this series in order. Or, if you can’t, to know that there is a helpful guide on the land of Chiril in the back of the book. I know I wished I had found it sooner!
  
  While, as I have stated, this is a very family-friendly read (nothing wrong that stood out to me as something a 10 year old could not read – besides maybe some violence during the war) and I had a rather interesting adventure in the land of Chiril, it didn’t grab my attention and pull me into the story. Thus the 3 stars. The beginning was pretty slow and I had to force myself to read it for the first hundred pages or so. I suppose it just wasn’t my type of book. But maybe other readers will enjoy a fun adventure story that builds slowly upon itself. If you are a fantasy reader and like a good story plot, then I’d say Dragons of the Valley is right up your alley! (Hey! That rhymed!)
  
  I received this free book in return for an honest review from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
  
• 
  Margaret Metz

  I'm a huge fan of this author. This book is the second in The Chiril Chronicles and is related to the DragonKeeper Chronicles. The story takes place in a different place and time, but some of the characters overlap. Now that the background information is out of the way...
  
  
  This time the book opens with everyone thinking that peace has just been obtained, the bad guys defeated so everyone should be able to relax. Suddenly there are mysterious summons and told the statues must be removed for their own safety. No details, no reasons... no knowledge of who the enemy is or if they should even trust this summons. So the journey begins.
  
  
  It is a journey in every sense of the word. They travel distances and meet new people, learn new skills and challenge many of the ideas they've accepted. The force they are up against can't be beat if they don't trust each other - and some have trouble trusting even themselves. As is so often the case, they are badly outnumbered and need the help of the only one who can help in such cases - God - or as He is called in this book, Wulder. Tipper and Bealomondore don't trust in Him though. They aren't even sure if He's real.
  
  
  Then there is this new creature, a sort of mercenary called The Grawl. He is very formidable and not the kind of... person/thing you would ever want to meet in a dark forest. He's hunting them and wants the statues for himself - among other things.
  
  
  Like all the books, there is plenty of action, well-drawn characters, a fantastic story world and the kind of dialogue and writing that you quote to people as you're reading. There are places you laugh out loud, some you may feel pity for a character, others that have you mad and wondering why that person was being so mean. You feel totally connected to what the characters are going through - like you are one of the people on the adventure with them. What could be better than that?
  
  The only weakness I could possibly come up with is that I think it reads better as part of the whole series and not as a stand alone book. I just don't think you'd enjoy it as much or get as much out of it without the other books. Like all the books in this and her DragonKeeper series, I think it could be enjoyed by upper elementary all the way to old fogies like myself. :o)
• 
  Anna del C. Dye

  Readers Favorite's review
  The writing in this novel is fluid, entertaining, and interesting. The author did a good job of developing the tale through the pages of the book.
  An artist, a princess, and a wizard find themselves tangled in an interesting plot to move three statues from their place to some un-known location. The three statues were carved from the same piece of rock by a God. When separated they will cause disruption in the normal lives of all the races in that land.
  Then why would anyone change their location when they have been safe for centuries in the current location? Well… an intriguing malice is invading their land and will stop at nothing, so they want to prevent the three statues from falling into their hands. The problem is that the wizard, Fenworth, has only two of them and the shifting has already begun.
  Reports of trouble are issuing from every land and the peoples’ minds are affected to the point of barbaric results. Soon the earth will shift its shape and the surface of the land will be forever changed.
  The artist, Bealomondore, helps when he, too, sees the need to change from his paintbrush to a sword.
  In this book you will find Birds, Beccaroon, that not only talk and behave as a man would, but also hold prestigious positions at court. There are also Sprite-type creatures that are generous with their service and kind to all that is entrusted to them. A priest, Paledin, is devoted to bringing out the best in people. Princess Tipper has a set of very interesting parents, and a baby dragon that lost his human partner thus becoming bound to her.
  When they get to the Valley of the Dragons, they find that some of these Dragons are healers and agree to help heal the wounded when they arrive by wagon at the hospital that Tipper and her mother, Lady Peg, have organized in their home.
  You will find a quest, adventure, dragons, battles, honor, friendship, a hunter and love in this refreshing tale. Some of the names are hard to pronounce, therefore hard to remember. Nevertheless this is a great fantasy book that will be enjoyed by preteens and older young adults. Adults will also find it interesting and entertaining.
• 
  Phyllis Wheeler

  This book is a sequel to Paul’s recent book The Vanishing Sculptor. However, I think Dragons of the Valley probably stands alone pretty well, because enough explanation is added.
  
  Tipper, the king’s granddaughter, is trying to help save the kingdom of Chiril from the neighboring country to the north. At first these northerners infiltrate and cause lots of trouble, but the Chiril king makes very poor decisions, and pretty soon the trouble-makers are invading.
  
  There’s a very troubling ally of the bad guys called the Grawl. In a world with 14 races, this guy is a cross-breed and has all kinds of abilities that others don’t have. Consequently he is a very formidable assassin, getting rid of Chiril’s magistrates and other officials one by one. After a while the country hardly functions.
  
  Now the Grawl targets Wizard Fenworth, a key character who has appeared in several of Paul’s novels. Will the Grawl be able to kill the wizard? What about the Grawl’s other targets, the wonderful, mindspeaking, rideable dragons?
  
  Tipper takes up her first assignment, to confiscate a statue and take off on a quest, hiding it in her belongings. Dealing with various difficulties, she moves from disbelief toward faith in Wulder, the name for Jehovah God in this world. More assignments test her: is she the selfish teen princess, or the maturing future queen?
  
  And don’t forget Bealmondore, the foppish artist. Much to his surprise, the wizard gives him a marvelous sword that teaches him swordsmanship. After Bealmondore gives his life to Wulder, will he be inspired to heroic deeds?
  
  What do I think?
  
  Some of the characters have amusing cartoonish characteristics: Tipper’s mother suffers from foggy brain, useful for confusing the bad guys. Wizard Fenworth continually drops lizards and mice from his clothing whenever he shakes it out. Meanwhile, the characters that undergo change, Tipper and Bealomondore, are believable and well drawn.
  
  I thoroughly enjoyed this book. You will too.
• 
  Emily

  Wizards, Dragons, Kings, Queens, Mysterious Beasts… What more could you want in a fantasy? A beautiful tale with unique characters and details, Donita Paul has woven fantasy into an allegorical tale that can be enjoyed by all. The rich descriptions bring you into a world where an artist’s sculptures keep the balance and an evil beast man wants to tear it all apart. Many races gather on a quest to discover and overcome. Can they restore balance and decipher the reasons for all the mysterious disappearances before war breaks out? Is belief in Wulder, the Creator, enough to sustain them and help them conquer in time? My only complaint with this book is that I was unaware that it is part of a series. It is book two in a series that is a companion to another 5 book series. There were many times that I felt very confused, due to the allusions to other quests and adventures that were included in previous novels. It took awhile to understand who was who, as there is no introduction. We just jump right into the story from page one. This is wonderful and perfect if you’ve already become acquainted with the characters, but difficult for a first time reader. The appendix in the back is detailed and helpful if you’re lost, though. I did love many of the characters (especially Lady Peg-I loved her ‘logic’), and the story is well written. If all her books are written in this same manner, then I could highly recommend this as a fun and imaginative Christian fantasy series. I would also recommend starting with the first book in the series to get the most benefit.
  (Stay Tuned for my complete overall/content review at
  www.squeakycleanreads.com)
  
  **This book was sent to me for free from Walter Multnomah for review. This review is property of Squeaky Clean Reads.
• 
  Dana Rongione

  Dragons of the Valley is a Christian novel set in the fantasy world of Chiril, a land that desires peace but has no true knowledge of the Peacemaker, Wulder. As war invades the kingdom, it is up to a few brave souls to pull the country together and face the merciless foe. Along the way, they each learn more about Wulder, the God who has recently been reintroduced to the country in peril. Through His wisdom and strength, the heroes and heroines face the enemy and come out victorious in the end.
  
  Dragons of the Valley is the second book in a new series by Donita K. Paul. The tagline on the book states, "A fantastic journey of discovery for all ages," and I'm inclined to agree. Whether you're 14 or 40, this is a tale to be enjoyed. The characters are so animated and detailed, from the eccentric Lady Peg to the feisty Tipper. Throughout the story, the reader can't help but fall in love with the endearing characters.
  
  While the story can be read on its own, I highly suggest reading the first book, The Vanishing Sculptor, before reading this one. It really helps to pull things together and makes the overall plot much easier to understand.
  
  For the most part, the story is very easy to read and follow. My only qualm is that the author throws in a lot of secondary characters and spaces them out in the story so that by the time you come back to them again, you've forgotten who they are. In addition, the names of many of the characters are complicated to read and pronounce, not to mention sounding similar to other names in the story. Until I got a ways into the story, this presented some confusion.
  
  Nevertheless, if you love fantastical tales of dragons, wizards, and knights, you'll love Dragons of the Valley. The story is truly an enjoyable tale, woven through with strands of Biblical truth.
• 
  Bluerose's Heart

  I’ll be honest. I was extremely confused the first few chapters. Then I studied a bit in the glossary at the back of the book. That helped tremendously, and anytime I hit a new word, I simply looked it up. This is the first book I’ve read in Donita’s Dragon series, and this is the 2nd book in this particular series, but I do feel I that I kept up pretty well. I do recommend reading them in order, though. I think I would have gotten a lot more out of this book if I had read them in order. And that’s not to say I didn’t get a little lost through parts of the story after that, but overall, I think I kept up.
  
  I am completely intrigued by dragons. I haven’t read many, if any books about them, though. I greatly enjoyed reading about them, although for the most part, they didn’t show up until close to the end. Rayn is all the way through the story and I just fell in love with him!! Oh, I wish I had a little pet Rayn! :)
  
  Lady Peg was hilarious. I just loved her character!! It was so funny how she seemed so out there. And Fenworth was probably my favorite character. He was just so quirky and I found myself laughing at some of his antics. Wizards are almost always one of my favorite characters, though. The Grawl was a mean creature, and yet I found myself feeling sorry for him at times. I was surprised at that! :)
  
  I think Donita has done an excellent job of creating a series for both male and female book lovers! There’s war and battles, but not overly gruesome, and then there’s a slight romance. The story doesn’t overly go in either the male or female direction. She’s created some wonderful, humorous, and interesting characters.
  
  *In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
  
• 
  Heather

  
  The kingdom of Chiril is in danger (once again) can Tipper Schope, Bealomondore, The Paladin and the rest of their friends make a difference?
  I listened to this book and although it was the second in the series I had yet to read the first book. I was confused at times because it seemed to me that a few characters had similar names. Either that or I wasn't paying close enough attention.
  
  This is really a good questing, epic fantasy. It begins with Bealomondore reluctantly "stealing" one of the three statues tied to his master artist's life force at the behest of a God. Not only does he steal one but each statue is sent with different members of the eventual questing party to avoid them falling into the hands of an evil king that is bringing Chiril to the brink of war.
  While on this quest war does, in fact, break out.
  
  I did enjoy this book. It did seem as if the pace dragged here and there but it is worth it to listen to/read the entire thing.
  
  *******Spoiler*******
  
  I was disappointed with the tiny romance aspect of the story line in that I didn't like that Tipper ended up betrothed to Paladin. I actually thought it would be better if she ended up with Bealomondore. I felt their relationship was beyond the infatuation that the relationship between Tipper and Paladin. I had the impression that Tipper was actually in a one-sided romantic involvement with Paladin and that he was interested in her spiritual development rather than her. I think it is best that she remains single but given the option of either Paladin or Bealomondore, Bealomondore would have been the better choice.
  
  It is a good book and I am interested in what the rest of the series is like. I would probably recommend it to others.
  
  
• 
  Kenneth

  I won this book from Goodreads First Reads
  
  I must say that I was disappointed with this book. Firstly, nowhere on, or in, the book does it identify "Dragons of the Valley" as the second part of a series, or any part of a series for that matter. And then the author did a poor job of explaining things for the many series latecomers who probably also thought they were reading a standalone. I'm sorry, but the index in the back is just a cop-out; I don't immerse myself in a magical realm by flipping to a glossary every other page.
  
  Once I waded through the initial confusion, which was enhanced by several main characters with extremely unwieldy names, the story itself was pretty good. Nothing truly original or earth-shattering, and a few times the author seemed to stumble over her own style: "He dipped his head as if acknowledging his appreciation of their willingness to help." But it was interesting at least.
  
  Then the end came, and within about four pages the victorious horde was defeated and sent packing by a few hundred fighters, the distant home city was going to be liberated (apparently, although there was very little actual discussion of how that would happen), and the greatest fighter and hunter that any of them had ever faced lost a brief five-paragraph sword fight. All too tidy for me.
  
  In all, I don't plan to read any more from this series, if it really is a series. I'm still unclear about that.
• 
  Joel Jackson

  Overall, "Dragons of the Valley" by Donita Paul was an enjoyable read. I found the adventure satisfying, the characters engaging, and the spiritual allegory astute. I truly enjoyed Bealmondore's story line. I felt he was short changed in the end. He needed a more satisfying conclusion. In many ways he is left out. I also really enjoyed the three primary Kimen characters. Hollee provides a great contrast to both Librettowit and Wizard Fenworth. I hope she continues to travel with them as hinted at. Tipper was also a great character! I felt she was fun, but I wanted her to show greater qualities of leadership. There were certain aspects of the book that left me slightly unsatisfied. To begin with, I had a hard time getting into the story. Once I was a few chapters into the book, I was fully engaged, but I found it difficult entering in. This may have to do with not having read the previous volume in the series. My largest disappointment was that the book was not long enough. I particularly wanted a greater description of the battles to repel the invaders. We get a great intro battle and then just a glossed over account of victory. I want to see the mighty works of Fenworth, Paladin, Bealmondore and the other heroes as they defeat the enemy. This book was a very good read. I will be pleased to return to it in the future, perhaps after reading the prequel. I received this book as part of the Blogging for Books program with Multonomah Publishers.
• 
  Cricket Muse

  Dragons of the Valley, the sequel toThe Vanishing Sculptor, continues Tipper’s Schope’s quest. In the first book Tipper had to find and join three statues her sculptor father had created. These statues built from the world’s foundation stones, must stay together, for once separated the world becomes unstable. Tipper and a cavalcade of friends, creatures, and characters feverishly work against evil forces that want to use the statue’s powers to transport more chaos into the world. The small, but brave band of stalwart companions must contend with an impending invasion, the effects of evil overtaking the land, and the murderous beast known as The Grawl. An allegorical tale woven with magical elements that resonates of Narnia and The Hobbit.
  Readers unfamiliar with The Vanishing Sculptor will be at a disadvantage if reading Dragons of the Valley first. Author Donita Paul jumps right into the story without much backplot. Once the story begins though, the plot is strong enough to carry on its own; nevertheless, the appendix is appreciated and needed until characters, places, and other Chiril elements are firmly placed in the reader’s mind. Paul is able to create a whimsical quest-tale, yet brings in allegorical components of trusting God (Wulder) without weighing down the plot. Though the ending seems rushed, it is satisfying.
  
• 
  Donna

  The Trio of Elements, three statues that keep Chiril in balance, have been taken in order to protect the land and are being hidden in the Valley of the Dragons. When the trio are not aligned, things go out of whack and create huge problems for the people and land of Chiril. An enemy knows this and is invading, trying to take what isn't theirs. The Grawl is their secret weapon, a weapon the people's of Chiril can't see or hear until it is too late. But don't underestimate those striving to protect their land and the statues. Will they be able to stop the invading army? Will the Grawl be able to slip in unnoticed? Will the statues remain hidden? Will the Trio stay together? Come join Tipper, Bealmondore, Hollee, Fenworth, the dragons, and the others as they work together to keep their land protected.
  
  I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading more books by Ms. Paul. Her characters are fun and vibrant, her story inviting and captivating. I recommend this book to fantasy lovers everywhere, and to those of you who haven't tried fantasy yet, check out this author. You won't be sorry! I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and thank them very much.
• 
  Jasmyn

  Chiril is in danger. An invading force is sneaking their way through the borders led by a terrible beast known only as The Grawl. A group of friends must fight once again to save their country, with the help of dragons.
  
  I did not realize this was part of a series until after I started reading it. I really wish that authors would include that on the cover. Because of this, it took me quite awhile to get into the storyline and understand the relationships between the various characters. However, once I figured them out a bit, they were fantastic.
  
  All the characters had just the right mix of seriousness, humor, doubt, and heroism. Lady Peg had me laughing every time she spoke. Paladin had me wanting to meet him so we could talk philosophy. Tipper reminded me of any love struck confused young woman that is trying everything she can to do the right thing.
  
  The storyline is almost your typical good guys vs bad guys, but The Grawl puts an interesting twist on things. I found myself feeling sorry for him throughout many parts of the story. Overall a good read. I may try to find the previous books and see if they are just as good.
  
  4/5
• 
  Shanese La'Tia

  Chiril is a peaceful land. But things chnages when an army comes and invades the country. Tipper Schopeis given the task of hiding three statues because if they falls into the hands of her enemies it will be the end of her nation as she knows it. She gets the help of the Bealomondore an artist to help her with what she must do.
  
  
  All the while terrible enemies are marching into Chiril, there’s a nasty beast stalking and killing anyone in its path. No one is safe for anyone. And on top of that time is running out for the Tipper and Baelomondore along with their companions while they fight to reach the Valley of the Dragons where they plan to leave the statues and join with the dragon to overcome the ultimate test. With wizards and dragons, and other creatures, it is a fiction book that made for readers of all ages both guys and girls. There’s action and just enough romance to satisfy all.
  
  
  {Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review}
  
• 
  Dianna

  Do you like fantasy books? I really love them because it makes me feel like I’m not really here, as if I’ve entered another world…When I saw this book I was happy to see christian fantasy, also the fact that Donita had written it. I had just read “Two Tickets To The Christmas Ball” by Donita and I loved it so much I wanted to read more of her work. Unfortunately I didn’t find out until I was already half way through this book that it was the second in a series, that explained why I had been so confused! Overall I really did like this book, but don’t make the same mistake as me, you won’t get to enjoy and really appreciate the book unless you read the first one, “The Vanishing Sculptor”. Other than that the book was pretty great, a bit slow but and boring in some parts but the ending made up for it.
  
  When another country invades the peaceful land of Chiril, Tipper and her friend Bealomodore must take care of three very important statues, without them the world is disheveled. With the war going on can Bealomodore and Tipper really help?
• 
  M.C.

  Dragons of the Valley is the second book in Donita K. Paul’s Chiril Chronicles series. It in part continues the story of Tipper (the heroine of the first book in the series), but focuses more on Bealomondore, the artist-turned-reluctant-hero.
  The story itself is good and intriguing—Verrin Schope’s statues, so recently rejoined, must now be separated again for their safety and the safety of the world. Meanwhile, the army of a hostile nation draws ever nearer to the borders of Chiril, bringing with them a mysterious warrior known only as The Grawl....
  It’s a very interesting premise, but the book doesn’t always execute it as well as it could. We never actually see any of the battles; we only hear about them from second-hand sources. This makes for a rather anti-climatic climax. The story drags a bit sometimes, and it’s overall just a little too long. But the humor is as hilarious as ever; Lady Peg will have you laughing out loud. It’s definitely worthy of a place alongside Paul’s other stories.
• 
  Elizabeth

  I was really entertained by this follow up to The Vanishing Sculptor. The story was enjoyable and the characters were interesting. My favorite parts were those involving Lady Peg or the kimen Hollee.
  Unfortunately, there were a few things that felt off about the book. Because of the way the story was paced and the plot scattered among many characters, there was never a lot of depth. Some things, such as the relationship between Bealomondore and his father, seemed thrown in the story without much explanation or exploration. Also, even though I'm a sucker for cheesy romances, I thought the engagement between Prince Jayrus/Paladin and Tipper was a little out of the blue considering they're hardly together at all in the book.
  I consider this book and its prequel worth reading, especially for older children or pre-teens. I'm glad I got the opportunity to read it, busy as I am, but I was a little disappointed - it wasn't quite up to the standard of Paul's DragonSpell books.
• 
  Uriah

  I received this as a first reads copy.
  
  Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it. It has intriguing characters and interactions. The plot works well though it doesn't have anything terribly original. I didn't realize that it was a sequel in a series until I started reading. It was pretty obvious that you were expected to have knowlege from previous books. In the first chapter, four different races were introduced but no descriptions. This continues through the book and even by the end I felt like I didn't know what the differences were. This lack of description went through most of the book and may just be a styling choice on the authors part. The other issue I had was mentioned in some other posts, the names in this book are huge. They are difficult to read and remember. Nick names would havebeen much more helpful.
• 
  Melysah Bunting

  My latest read-for-free and review for Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group is "Dragons of the Valley" by Donita K. Paul. It's a fantasy fiction book about Tripper Schope and her friend Bealomondore. Tripper and Bealomondore are on a mission to protect 3 special statues. As they try to protect the statues, they encounter many obstacles like the Grawl. They must do all they can to protect the land of Chiril.
  
  
  The story has a king, little people (kimen), swords, and other such things. It reminds me of Lord of the Rings. I also thought about people who love renaissance fairs.
  
  
  While I do like fantasy fiction, I can't say this type was my best-loved. (I found the names hard to digest among other things.) So to be honest, I didn't love the story. But I do appreciate it. It's a well written book full of imagination.
• 
  Bill Tillman

  Second book of the Dragons of Chiril series, looking forward to number three. Great reading.
  
  Tipper Schope goes on a mission to keep three important statues from falling into the enemy's hands. Her friend, the artist Bealomondore, helps her execute the plan, and along the way he learns to use a magical sword rather than a paintbrush.
  
  As odd disappearances of important leaders and a rash of volatile behavior sweep Chiril, no one is safe. A terrible danger has made his vicious presence known: The Grawl, a hunter unlike any creature encountered before.
  
  Just when all hope is lost a miraculous turnaround happens in the valley of the dragons, a real don't want to put it down until you finish it book.