Book Reviews and More: Eye of the Earthquake Dragon - Tracey West and Daniel Griffo

Monday, 30 November 2020

Eye of the Earthquake Dragon - Tracey West and Daniel Griffo - Dragon Masters Book 13

Eye of the Earthquake Dragon

Dragon Masters Book 13
Tracey West (Author)
Daniel Griffo (Illustrator)

Scholastic
ISBN 9781338263718

eISBN 9781338263732

ASIN B07HPDGNSB

Wow this book marks the 21st time I have read a Dragon Masters Book. I can easily state that as a family we really love these books! A few years ago, I read the first eight books of this series to my son. Then his interest was drawn away. My youngest daughter really enjoyed them and the three of us read them, she listened to her brother or I read. This year my youngest has been reading them to me. She gets a little frustrated that I have not read ahead now, because it often means she reads an extra chapter or two because I cannot tell her what is about to happen. This year we also found out that my nephew has been reading them and was only 1 book ahead of us. He is reading the physical books and We are reading the eBook editions. This is a great story in a wonderful series. My youngest daughter is insistent that we will read the whole series. And she has spent her reading challenge money buying all the kindle editions that are available. Including Griffin’s Guide for Dragon Masters.

I have said it before, and I state it again, ‘this series really has staying power’. I have read some of the stories 4 or 5 times now. And have been reading them for over 4 years. And I still enjoy the stories as do my children. My son who thought he had outgrown these stories has been sitting in and listening to his sister read them to me again lately. It is also great to know that my brother’s family loves them as much as ours. It is fascinating to watch the kids interact and compare notes about the books that they are both reading. And to predict what will happen next based on the endings of the book, or title of the next as we queue it up. And when we started this one she read well beyond her daily required reading time.

One of the best things about this series is that it is a true series. In that each story builds upon the next. The stories are strong enough to be read on their own, but as a whole we get to watch the growth of the group as they come together as a team and learn to work together and support each other. And we see some characters come in and out of the stories. And in this one we meet new dragon masters and their legendary dragon Naga the earthquake dragon. He is so large and powerful he has two dragon masters. And you will find out more about them by reading this story. The next battle with Maldred the evil wizard takes place, and there are some surprises in store for us and the dragon masters we are reading about.

This is the first volume illustrated by Daniel Griffo. I believe the fifth illustrator so far for the series. The illustrations keep a consistent feel and look. But Each artist leaves their own mark on the books they work on. Some illustrations stand alone and some wrap around the text and span two-page spreads. And my daughter absolutely loved the cover of this one.

This is another excellent read in a great series. These are fun books for young readers, but also entertaining enough for older readers. I am continually impressed with the staying power of this series. After multiple reads over several years I still really enjoy returning to the Dragon Masters. And look forward too many more reads in this series, as my daughter is insistent, she will read them all to me! And she insisted we give it 5/5 stars! A great read in a great series!

Note: she wanted this review to post on her 10th birthday as a birthday present for her. Happy birthday Zozo.