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bookadventurer 's review for:
Dragon's Blood
by Jane Yolen
I first read this in elementary school. Strangely, I can remember exactly where I found it in my local public library.
This book is classic young-adult fiction, with a coming-of-age story wrapped in a setting on a different planet. Which adds a bit of science-fiction spice to it, and every now and then the author contextualizes the medieval-esque fantasy setting by mentioning the "rocket jockies" that come to the planet to bet on the dragon fights. Settlement on the planet mimics the settlement of Australia; it was originally established as a penal colony. The penal society structure remains in the form of "masters" and "bonders." Bonders are essentially indentured servants.
The point-of-view character, Jakkin, is a smart, determined young bonder living at a dragon nursury who dreams of becoming a master, and a dragon trainer. He has a love for and talent with adult dragons.
The story opens with Jakkin's plan to steal a dragon egg in order to raise it and train it and fight it to win gold for his freedom, and a sponsor to continue fighting his dragon. The plot follows his secret dragon-training, his relationships with the ornery, hate-filled, addicted overseer, and a mysterious young female healer. The plot is quite fast-paced, and the writing style is clear and simple but very descriptive.
This book was entertaining, and really a dream to read. I can't wait to continue re-reading the series.
This book is classic young-adult fiction, with a coming-of-age story wrapped in a setting on a different planet. Which adds a bit of science-fiction spice to it, and every now and then the author contextualizes the medieval-esque fantasy setting by mentioning the "rocket jockies" that come to the planet to bet on the dragon fights. Settlement on the planet mimics the settlement of Australia; it was originally established as a penal colony. The penal society structure remains in the form of "masters" and "bonders." Bonders are essentially indentured servants.
The point-of-view character, Jakkin, is a smart, determined young bonder living at a dragon nursury who dreams of becoming a master, and a dragon trainer. He has a love for and talent with adult dragons.
The story opens with Jakkin's plan to steal a dragon egg in order to raise it and train it and fight it to win gold for his freedom, and a sponsor to continue fighting his dragon. The plot follows his secret dragon-training, his relationships with the ornery, hate-filled, addicted overseer, and a mysterious young female healer. The plot is quite fast-paced, and the writing style is clear and simple but very descriptive.
This book was entertaining, and really a dream to read. I can't wait to continue re-reading the series.