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brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
rebelrider's review against another edition
3.0
The plot is okay but the seems slow and un-exciting. I think it’s more due to the writing style, not poor writing. I couldn’t really relate to the characters either. I think the story just isn’t dark enough for my tastes and there’s something that makes the stakes seem lower than they really are.
Others who don’t mind a “lighter” fantasy read might like this series. There’s nothing really wrong with it. It’s just not for me.
Others who don’t mind a “lighter” fantasy read might like this series. There’s nothing really wrong with it. It’s just not for me.
jasmyn9's review against another edition
4.0
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
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
lisa_the_bookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
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.
wakela's review against another edition
5.0
I do have to say that it took awhile for the story to get going. However, I ended up really enjoying this book. One thing that really annoyed me was the character naming. Yes, I understand that it is fantasy. However, you should try to name characters with names that are easily pronounceable by the reader.
For instance, one of the main characters name is Graddapotmorphit Bealomondore. I mean, seriously. That is more mouthful then any name should be. In order to survive through the book, each character that had an extreme name such as that, I had given a shortened name.
Once I found my own “fix” for the names, I was well on my way into a wonderful story.
Several parts of the story reminded me of Bible stories. For instance, when Tipper and her mother, Lady Peg, were told that they were being invaded and that anybody laying down would be spared. It reminded me of the story where the Israelites were going to be overcome with a plague and were told to put blood on the door posts in order for the plague to pass the by the house.
One part that really struck me was when Tipper felt that she could not sing with either the kimens or her minidragon. It wasn’t until she gave herself to God (in the story Wulder) that she was able to sing in tune with the others.
I highly recommend this story for readers of all ages. It shows how believing in a higher power and following a path of Righteousness can lead to victory and happiness.
For instance, one of the main characters name is Graddapotmorphit Bealomondore. I mean, seriously. That is more mouthful then any name should be. In order to survive through the book, each character that had an extreme name such as that, I had given a shortened name.
Once I found my own “fix” for the names, I was well on my way into a wonderful story.
Several parts of the story reminded me of Bible stories. For instance, when Tipper and her mother, Lady Peg, were told that they were being invaded and that anybody laying down would be spared. It reminded me of the story where the Israelites were going to be overcome with a plague and were told to put blood on the door posts in order for the plague to pass the by the house.
One part that really struck me was when Tipper felt that she could not sing with either the kimens or her minidragon. It wasn’t until she gave herself to God (in the story Wulder) that she was able to sing in tune with the others.
I highly recommend this story for readers of all ages. It shows how believing in a higher power and following a path of Righteousness can lead to victory and happiness.
thepurplegiraffe's review against another edition
2.5
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.
awall14's review against another edition
3.0
Ok, but as I found with the other one the dialogue in the book bothered me. NOBODY TALKS LIKE THAT.
Also, there were a lot of details but not the details I wanted. Things like "Her appendage itched" are necessary. And I didn't feel the romance between Paladin and Tipper much either, even though it was very predictable that it was going to happen.
But, I LOVE THE DRAGOS. And I want one really bad. It seems to me that Paul can give her dragons interesting personalities but not her people. Except for The Grawl. He was lovely freaky and scared me and gave the book excitement.
I'm going to finish the series, and I'm mildly looking forward to how it will end. The Grawl is still alive and could come back... *shiver*
Also, there were a lot of details but not the details I wanted. Things like "Her appendage itched" are necessary. And I didn't feel the romance between Paladin and Tipper much either, even though it was very predictable that it was going to happen.
But, I LOVE THE DRAGOS. And I want one really bad. It seems to me that Paul can give her dragons interesting personalities but not her people. Except for The Grawl. He was lovely freaky and scared me and gave the book excitement.
I'm going to finish the series, and I'm mildly looking forward to how it will end. The Grawl is still alive and could come back... *shiver*
sickwithsin's review against another edition
4.0
A fast-paced, enjoyable fantasy novel. The second in a series, I liked it a lot even though some of the names were a bit tricky.
**Received for free via Goodreads First Reads.
**Received for free via Goodreads First Reads.
serenam's review against another edition
4.0
If you've read Dragons of Chiril/The Vanishing Sculptor, definitely pick this one up next! (if you haven't, what are you waiting for?!) This is a great continuation of Tipper's and Bealomondore's adventures, and just like all of Donita's other work, it continually held my interest. Very difficult to put down, in fact. My only complaint is the ending seemed a little rushed.
elizabeth_reads_'s review
3.0
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.
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.
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