Garden of the Purple Dragon

Dragonkeeper #2

by Carole Wilkinson

Book jacket: In the time of the Han Dynasty in ancient China, a young orphan struggles to fulfill her destiny. Ping has survived her days as a slave at Huangling Palace, but new challenges await her in the desolate mountains of Tai Shan. The wise dragon, Danzi, is no longer around to guide her, and now it is up to Ping to take care of the baby dragon, Kai. Food is scarce, and she must constantly be on the lookout for enemies. Things seem to get better when fate leads them back to the Imperial Palace, to the Garden of the Purple Dragon. Yet even within these hallowed walls, Ping and Kai are not as they believe.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Young Adult, Fiction, Middle Grade, Adventure, Childrens

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Carole was born in England in 1950. Her family moved to Australia when she was 12. She now lives in Melbourne, with her husband John.
Carole didn't start writing until she was nearly 40. Before that, she worked as a laboratory assistant, working with a lot of blood and brains. Once she’d decided to try and become a writer, she went to university. She wrote a lot while she was there including her first novel. She showed it to a friend who worked in publishing who asked if she could write a teenage novel. Her first published book was based on something her daughter, who was at high school at the time, was doing.


Carole says she has lots of ideas and so far she’s never had 'writers' block'. She might have got a late start, but she’s been trying to make up for lost time and has written more than 30 books, some short stories, a telemovie and some TV and planetarium scripts.

Reviews

[Sara Cantador · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
Pero qué libro más adorable. De verdad.
Es increíble la de cosas que le pueden suceder a una niña pequeña, y lo valiente e inteligente que es. No faltan las aventuras ni la acción, ni los momentos tristes y los momentos alegres. Me ha encantado volver a recorrer el imperio con Ping y Hua, y conocer a Kai. Pero lo mejor, son las enseñanzas de vida que se pueden leer entre líneas.

[Serap · Rating 2 out of 5]

Iyi başladı ama saçmaladı ve bence batırdı kitabı. Gelin görünki puanı daha yüksek, gerçekten gr ahalisi ile uyuşmuyor benim puanlarim🤪çocuksu masallara benzedi kitap derken olay vahşete döndü ki ben ikinci kitabı çocukların okumasına uygun bulmadım, hevesim kaçtı ama üçüncüyü okuyup seriyi aradan çıkartacağım ☹

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ping is on another adventure but this one is a bit different with dragon sized problems, old enemies and maybe some new ones. Poor Ping. She is just so lonely in the beginning of the book. We start off the book with Ping alone with Kai, the small purple dragon. Trying to raise a dragon all by yourself without knowing for certain how to do it is a tall order to ask of a young girl. Needless to say Ping is struggling and when she stumbles onto the chance to regain most of what she lost at the end of the last book she takes it without much hesitation. She and Kai are given security, food, and comfort. It is all Ping could hope for. Except that she has questions: about her family, about the dragon keeper books, Danzi, and maybe even the emperor. Things have changed.

I liked Ping’s voice. She is clearly a girl at a loss of what to do but for the most part seeks to do what is right. She makes mistakes and pays dearly for them but she gets through it with a baby dragon in tow, with the help of a small furry friend. Ping was never annoying as some protagonists can be. The adventure wasn't half bad either. Ping sees more of her kingdom and discovers even more about herself. Kai proves to be a funny little dragon but like most babies he causes a world of trouble. Keeping him under control and finding a way to keep them both safe is quite tricky. They indeed had some narrow escapes.

All of Ping's questions are not answered in this book so I will be looking forward to the next and final book of the series.

[Larashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

dragon is always be my obsession. and this book revealed all the secrets. i love how Ping and Kai travelled and fighting together, the power of dragon suits really fit this novel.

[Book Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pages: 349
Series : Sequel to Dragon Keeper

Ping was the Dragon Keeper to the old Imperial Dragon Danzi but she had helped him escape. She was made the last Dragon Keeper and sworn to keep the baby dragon safe, but was caught by the Imperial soldiers. Now, her destiny was questioned. She knew that all the Keepers were male and this led to doubt her appointment. She even sever the post for a boy she thought was the real Dragon Keeper. Will she surrender the Dragon to the Emperor and stay away from the Dragon forever?

My thoughts on this book:
This book has surprised me. As I was reading on the earlier part, it didn't strike me to be very much exciting to read, yet it has triggered my curiosity to keep on reading. Normally, a lack of action will bore me. But this book has kept me intrigued. So I kept on reading and towards the end it has engulfed me with awe. The twist turned out to be doubled and I honestly didn't see it coming. I thought that it will angle to a romance but it proved me wrong. It was actually the reason why Pings judgement was clouded.

I liked the character of Hua (the rat) who was always with Ping in times of trouble. I braced myself for any magical revelation this rat may have, but no, there's none. I thought he might turn into a prince or something. The necromancer had crept me out. Say no more about the stench of a rotten flesh! It was disgusting. But it was effective. I could picture him in my mind (yuck!).

The only thing that I find shallow is the five elements. What a very weak five elements. I reckon it was non essential. It may have a grand effect if it was really the five elements.

But overall, I liked it. I was intrigued in how to take care of a baby dragon, their friendship, the betrayal, the kindness and loyalty.

[Mirrani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garden of the Purple Dragon wasn't as deeply rooted in dragon culture as the first book in this series, Dragon Keeper, had been, but it was still a wonderful read for me. I simply could not put this book down. The author must have spent countless hours researching the culture of China and all of the myth and legend surrounding the dragon in order to continue this series, because there is not a moment that has slacked in this aspect in any way.

I wasn't as pleased with Ping in this book, perhaps because she had Danzai to contrast her in the previous one, but she came across as constantly unsure of herself and very clumsy. The entire theme of the book is learning; learning to trust yourself, learning to trust others, learning to trust your instincts, learning what it is to have someone under your care.

Overall, this is a wonderful continuation to the series and I can not wait for the conclusion because I so long to have Ping and Danzai reunited again. He brings so much to these books that I deeply felt the lack of him in this story. Young readers will look forward to the adventure of discovery and will gain strength from seeing someone their own age pulling through the tough times to find something more, knowing that no matter what happens there is always hope and there is always friendship.

[Khushi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just re-read this amazing book!! I still cannot believe that after the whole bonding thing Ping and Lui had, he betrayed her like that. It was honestly the best plot twist Carole could have put in and I'm looking forward to refreshing my memory of the rest of the books.

[✨ Aaron Jeffery ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book, this series is so underrated!
This book is filled with a good amount of action but AMAZING characters. Most significant being Ping, the main character who has so much depth and character development. I really liked reading about Kai as well and he made me think of my dog Arlo 😂. This book was great!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series. In this instalment of the series Ping is struggling to raise a baby dragon in the only place that she feels is safe - on the sacred mountain. Two encounters from her past (one good and one bad) means she needs to leave the mountain.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is gross at the end but it is good.

[Stella_bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buku ke 2 lebih seru dengan kehadiran Kai, si bayi naga yang gemesin sekaligus ngeselin🤪
Petualangan Ping juga lebih seru dan berwarna..

[Amber LA Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely just as good as the first one 😌 garden of the purple dragon is another book I will share with my son 😊

[Lidya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garden of the Purple was an excellent continuation of the world that Wilkinson had established in her first book of this series. Though we have to say goodbye to a few main characters from the first installment, the development of other characters that had been introduced was super satisfying. I particularly enjoyed how Wilkinson wrote Liu Che’s descent into madness as he progressively becomes more obsessed with obtaining immortality as well as Ping stepping more of her own as a capable and dedicated dragonkeeper and young woman. Though there was less travelling and arguably less action in this one, seeing Wilkinson focus more on the relationships between the characters was just as fulfilling as seeing Ping traverse through ancient China. Her sympathy for those that both care for her as well as seek to harm her and those she loves really solidifies her morality. I read this even quicker than the first book and only regret that it was over so soon. Seeing everyone grow and develop really hits me in the heart a certain way and I can’t wait to see where Ping and the gang are headed to next.

[Elise P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exceptionally brilliant. The story of main character Ping is compelling, her development through out the series is inspiring.

Carole Wilkinson's writing is writing at its best, the content is rich and very well researched and the mythology very believable compared to a lot of 'popular' books books on the market these days. (you all know the story i'm talking about :P)

In the beginning of this book Ping is living on the mountains of Tai Shan which pretty much is forbidden, so she figures it will be a safe place for her and the baby dragon Kai she is in charge of raising. Until plot spoiling things happen and she is forced to leave and then captured.

Overcoming many struggles and character building dilemmas concerning her destiny, Ping manages to defeat one of the 'baddies'.

In a world where there is little trust in others the story ends with a sense of momentary security, but then again the trust issue arises and is surely going to set the third book marvelously.

[Ell Eastwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book series continues to be incredibly cute. Thought I missed Danzi in this book, Kai is also a pretty good dragon ... although the fact that it'll be several hundred, if not thousand, years before he can be a proper dragon and fly and stuff is a bit sad. Oh well.

Good twists in this one, they weren't super-obvious but were still set up in a way so that you could kinda see them coming. Ping's life really isn't easy though, is it? I kept waiting for her to run away with the princess and let's just say I was't too disappointed on that part.

Though do I believe Hua is gone forever after this book? I sure hope not, because that is one crafty rat. I also thought that Ping and Jun might go off on adventures together, but it turns out he was just a fake geek boy so she dropped him like a potato. Good going, Ping.

Based on the description of book three it sounds freaking awesome, so I hope it delivers!

[Liana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok Ping, I know you love Hua and all, and I myself really love rats too... but Jiminy Crickets missy, let the critter go before you cause more trouble...!

You should have seen me when I saw this book at my library - "OH MAH GWASH, IT'S DEH GARDEN OF DEH PUPU DWAGON!!! KEEEEWT!!!" I was so excited to read this sequel to Dragon Keeper, and I'm really glad that I did! It's amazing!

The story has a slow start, but it eventually warms up into an exciting plot. The first hundred pages or so features Ping being a mommy to her baby dragon Kai... which was pretty cute to read about actually.~ But the best part of the story for me was at the end... It was CRAZY unexpected AND IT MADE ME WANNA CRY!!! WHY EMPEROR, WHHHYYYYYY...! *table flips*

Now I HAVE to read the third book. X_X

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Garden of the purple dragon called Kai who is being raised by a young women named Ping, Ping is learning how to take care of a dragon while hiding from her enemies. She thinks she's safe in the Tai Shan Mountains away from view but no matter where she hides her enemies WILL FIND HER... Who can Ping trust? Do they want Kai? Can she find someone she can trust?... Or will trust lead her to danger...? I think his book has a lot of description which paints a picture inside the reader's head, it was able to captures the culture and tradition of China in the past.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I try to read my daughters books either before or with her so we can talk about the content or to make sure it doesnt have content not okay for her to read. She will be starting 4th grade next year but reads at a junior high school level. These two books by Carole Wilkinson are a very easy read for her but the content was fun and exiting. Both books are over 300 pages. I enjoyed them.

[Cydni · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book i really felt like i was there back in china in those times oing the main character as a girl was very responsible and made me feel like i wish i was more like her

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book more than two years ago, so I don't really remeber much on it but all I know is that this series is addicting and full of twisted advernture!

[Bookflower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun book and easy to read, but accidentally read it in the wrong order now I'm confused😂

[ℓιѕєη · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most anticipated books for me when I was growing up was Eragon upon its debut. I had already fallen in love with the Enchanted Forest Chronicles and also enjoyed The Paper Bag Princess while in my mind that particular book was going to join those ranks. Unfortunately Eragon failed in its endeavor to be a great dragon book.

And so it was quite a surprise that I have come upon this sequel for my color challenge and it is basically the book I wanted that failed dragon book to be. Although a sequel, Garden of the Purple Dragon makes for an interesting book as it can standalone on its own while still suggesting to episodes from the first book. And so it will be that I will need to see if I can find the first book to catch in my reading of the series.

The story is pretty simple to read and follow for the reader. There are a few Chinese terms that can be found in the glossary as well as a name glossary that helps the reader to be able to see the pronunciation for the characters. The only thing that really intrigues me about the characters is the fact that the protagonist is named Ping just like the disguised Disney's Mulan and I wonder if that was where the inspiration came from.

The book is action-packed in most senses although at the same time there seems to be a lot of waiting for this particular tale is about the slowly undoing events of court life. But it was still fast paced enough to capture my attention while Kai is just adorably mischievous no matter where he appears at. And just as a warning there is a bit of a gruesome aspect, which is the reason why I would say this is an older YA book than it would seem to be at first glance.

All in all this is a great book for those who like fantasy and one that is based in a more exotic locale than the usually European or European-based fantasy kingdoms that most of us grew up with.

[Hypatia 'Free Palestine, Stop Genocide' · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il secondo libro della serie Dragonkeeper mi ha davvero sorpreso.
Se La Custode del Drago mi era sembrato un libro poco interessante, un po’ banale nei colpi di scena e incapace di far empatizzare con i protagonisti, questo invece mi ha catturato molto di più.

La storia sembra inizialmente un po’ piatta, ma appena si entra nel vivo, le avventure di Ping e del piccolo drago Kai si fanno sempre più interessanti e a tratti anche divertenti.
Il draghetto è molto più simpatico rispetto al grande drago saggio Danzi che era protagonista nel primo volume e anche Ping cresce sotto molti aspetti ed è facile identificarsi con le sue insicurezze di ‘non essere all’altezza del proprio compito’ o del suo desiderio di avere davanti a sé una vita più comoda e tranquilla.
Anche i comprimari si fanno più interessanti e, anche se comunque un po’ intuibili, i colpi di scena non sono scontati fin dall’inizio.

Ci sono alcuni espedienti per far proseguire le storia che sembrano un pochino forzati, ma tutto sommato ricordiamoci sempre che si tratta di un libro per ragazzi, e ho letto espedienti peggiori in libri per adulti.

In sostanza, non si tratta di un libro strepitoso per il quale gridare al capolavoro, ma la lettura di questo secondo volume della saga è piacevole e lascia anche il desiderio di continuare.
Purtroppo i libri successivi non sono stati tradotti in italiano, quindi mi sento di avvertire chi non mastica l’inglese che si ritroverebbe con una storia a metà, come accade fin troppo spesso nel caso di saghe fantasy.

[Katherine Heffernan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very disappointed when I saw that Carole Wilkinson chose to turn the series from YA to a children’s series. Especially since Dragon Keeper 🐉 set the tone for Young Adult. Kai’s new life is full of twists and turns. Not to mention a very very big plot twist that had me gasp! Lu Chie I grew to hate as well as the horrible necromancer who never seemed to die or retreat. He constantly fought for Kai and Ping. I was so disappointed on see Emperor Lu Chie be so consumed by his want for immortality he ordered Ping’s execution, sacrifice, was in league with the necromancer, and bled Kai to the point he couldn’t even walk. In the last battle with the necromancer good prevailed with the sacrifice of others. However Wilkinson never said he died, he just hobbled off and they all agreed death would come to him because of his injuries. I believe that was not the last we will be seeing of him unfortunately. I hope that the remaining book of the series reunites Kai and Ping with Danzi and possibly Hua. When Hua left to be with the other rats I was saddened and hoped later on he will come to the rescue.

[Jill Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ping was lonely, she was the Dragonkeeper and needed to be there for Kai. The little purple dragon had hatched at the beach by the ocean. His father, the old green dragon Danzi, flew away to the land of Blest to heal his terrible injuries. Kai was a mischievous baby dragon, always asking questions and being annoying.

Ping had taken him to the mountains for safety, but when she discovered they were not safe she fled with Kai to a shepherds hut. They would be comfortable for winter. But the danger followed and Ping believed she was not a good Dragonkeeper. She was captured and taken to Min Yang Lodge to await the judgement of The Emporer.

There are many twists and turns in the life of Ping. She could have settled for comfort but she chose the more difficult path. Danzi came to her in dreams and Ping discovered Kai had dreams of his father too. You can't help but love the little purple dragon and his antics. When he is hurt and separated from Ping, she feels lost but driven to return to her duty as Dragonkeeper.

This is a fantastic series. I've now read the first, second book, and fourth books in the series. I just need to read the third.

[Adam Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good sequel to the story of Ping, the last Dragon Keeper. In this book, she is lured back into the good graces of the Emperor only to discover she has enemies all over the Court. People with no interest in taking care of Kai, the baby dragon, wish to get her out of the way and the corrupt Emperor ignores this while pursuing immortality. She will need to learn to rely on herself and the advice of Danzi, the old dragon who still visits her dreams from the Isle of the Blessed, to keep Kai safe. Fortunately, she also has hidden friends. While sometimes the twists and turns seem to defy expectation, they mostly fit well within a story that is characterized by a growing feeling of dread. It ends on a hopeful note, but so did the last story. We shall see what the third installment brings. But people who love dragon fiction (me) or historical fantasy (me again) will find this trilogy very engaging!

[J. Jammy May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruh this book had me in so many moods over the things that happened in this.

Also let me tell you, what ISN’T there in this book? There’s a magic buff rat, a sassy baby dragon, female empowerment (x2!). Like, what more could you ask for?

And, oh my god, as always Wilkinson has created such believed, vivid, and unique characters that you can’t help but feel things for them (hate or love… or both).



***SPOILER WARNING***

I do feel like the family reunion was a little rushed/forced, when it could have been something to return to as part of the conclusions in the 3rd/last book of the trilogy. It’s something so important to Ping, yet you write it so she’s just suddenly there with her mother that Ping somehow recognises after walking around half dead with a fever through a field of cabbage??? It felt so random and just… pointless almost. But I think that’s my only critique so 👏👏👏

[Akshay Veeraraghavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Garden of the Purple Dragon [Dragon Keeper part 2] continues the journey of Ping who proves herself capable in taking care of the difficult baby dragon, Long Kai Duan. After months of hiding Ping finds herself captured the imperial guards which land her in the emperor's good hands and also safe from the evil necromancer who still chasing Ping and Kai. Ping also sets out on a journey to find her long lost journey to find her long lost journey—a quest that ends anticlimactically but at least jump-starts a chain of revelations and betrayals. this quest leads her into a more tragic fight of the necromancer. The Garden of the Purple Dragon is truly another fabulous book by author Carole Wilkinson.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reader was left off with Danzi and Hau leaving for the Isle of Blest, leaving Ping alone to care for a new-born baby dragon named Kai. Ping received minimal instructions from Danzi on how to care for Kai. She raises Kai on Tai Shan mountain for some time until the unexpected occurs...

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Graden of the Purple Dragon. The plot thickened with their being one living dragon remaining in the imperial kingdom, being raised by Ping. There were many twists and turns throughout the book, which left me on edge. New characters are introduced, and old ones are heavily developed. Overall, a great read, which leaves me excited for what is to come in Dragon Moon.