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Mark of the Dragon Queen
Kira has led a sheltered life, brought up by her widowed father, whom she adores. When he is arrested and imprisoned for a murder he allegedly committed 18 years before, she is devastated. So when she overhears an ex-student of her father's planning to visit the prison, Kira decides to go, too. However, the student - Arun - is not who she thinks he is, and she soon learns that her father has not always been the man of integrity she has known for fifteen years.
Caught in a rebellion against the Lord High Councillor who would return the country to Wizard Rule, Kira finds that there is one more lesson she has to learn - about herself. Success depends on her, but is she willing to make the sacrifice it will require?
Caught in a rebellion against the Lord High Councillor who would return the country to Wizard Rule, Kira finds that there is one more lesson she has to learn - about herself. Success depends on her, but is she willing to make the sacrifice it will require?
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
13 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Katie W. Stewart
9 books81 followersThis author also writes under the pen name Katie Stewart.
Katie W Stewart is an Australian author of fantasy fiction for all ages. She was born in Lancashire, England and emigrated with her family when she was nine years old. Apart from writing, she also illustrates books, designs book covers and makes her own 3-D creations out of polymer clay. In her spare time she enjoys reading as well as playing celtic harp and guitar and metal detecting for historical relics.
Katie W Stewart is an Australian author of fantasy fiction for all ages. She was born in Lancashire, England and emigrated with her family when she was nine years old. Apart from writing, she also illustrates books, designs book covers and makes her own 3-D creations out of polymer clay. In her spare time she enjoys reading as well as playing celtic harp and guitar and metal detecting for historical relics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 13, 2015
I loved this book.
It was such a departure from my more recent reading diet, but such a nice departure.
There's magic and dragons and suspense mixed with tense moments of anguish as you follow a tightly woven story featuring wizards, and villains who are abusing their powers in order to topple the kingdom and threaten the livelihood of all its people.
This is a real page turner which I found hard to put down and was sorry to get to the end of.
Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended reading 5★s
May 19, 2015
What a breathtaking novel! Katie Stewart has an amazing talent; I have now read three of hers, and have loved them all!
Fifteen year old Kira and her father had lived happily but quietly together from when she was very young. On the day their lives were to change forever, they were at the market place. Ifor Goran (Kira’s father) was talking to his friend, Dr Jan Hingel when suddenly a cart appeared, being pulled at speed by an out-of-control horse. In its path was a young child, in terrible danger. When Kira opened her eyes again, the child was in his mother’s arms, and Dr Hingel looked shocked and pale…not by the almost accident but by what his friend Ifor had just done.
As Kira and her beloved father hurried to put the town behind them, she was confused. Her father was frantic but wouldn’t tell her what was wrong. When they were suddenly surrounded by soldiers, her father arrested for breaking the oath and he was taken away, her devastation was complete.
Living with Dr Hingel and his wife, Kira couldn’t stop thinking about her father and his days in the horrible prison where no-one escaped. When she overheard one of her father’s students, Arun, talking about going to the prison, she decided to join him. She wouldn’t be dissuaded, and the ensuing horrors, encounters with dragons, with evil wizards and the Lord High Councillor had her courage and determination tested to its limit.
Would she be able to save her father from the arrogant and evil Apharis? Was she strong enough to overcome her greatest fear?
The action in this book is full-on from the very first page. The characters are well developed and extremely likeable. Even the dragons have characteristics of their own. I used to think I wasn’t a fantasy-lover….until I read Katie Stewart’s books! Highly recommended.
Fifteen year old Kira and her father had lived happily but quietly together from when she was very young. On the day their lives were to change forever, they were at the market place. Ifor Goran (Kira’s father) was talking to his friend, Dr Jan Hingel when suddenly a cart appeared, being pulled at speed by an out-of-control horse. In its path was a young child, in terrible danger. When Kira opened her eyes again, the child was in his mother’s arms, and Dr Hingel looked shocked and pale…not by the almost accident but by what his friend Ifor had just done.
As Kira and her beloved father hurried to put the town behind them, she was confused. Her father was frantic but wouldn’t tell her what was wrong. When they were suddenly surrounded by soldiers, her father arrested for breaking the oath and he was taken away, her devastation was complete.
Living with Dr Hingel and his wife, Kira couldn’t stop thinking about her father and his days in the horrible prison where no-one escaped. When she overheard one of her father’s students, Arun, talking about going to the prison, she decided to join him. She wouldn’t be dissuaded, and the ensuing horrors, encounters with dragons, with evil wizards and the Lord High Councillor had her courage and determination tested to its limit.
Would she be able to save her father from the arrogant and evil Apharis? Was she strong enough to overcome her greatest fear?
The action in this book is full-on from the very first page. The characters are well developed and extremely likeable. Even the dragons have characteristics of their own. I used to think I wasn’t a fantasy-lover….until I read Katie Stewart’s books! Highly recommended.
August 21, 2014
Ever since Eragon I have loved books where people can call upon dragons to help them in their quests or battles so this story scored bonus points for me immediately. It also had a nice, tightly controlled system of magic which meant there had to be some cleverness in the final battle rather than just blood and gore and flashes of magical lightning. This was a good story, nicely told and very enjoyable.
March 5, 2012
This book, written for Young Adults, had this Old Adult completely in thrall. I enjoy fantasy fiction and this, with its magicians, dragons, crystals, had the lot. It was imaginative, the story moved along at a good pace and I was drawn in from the beginning. There was some lovely use of language in here too and the characters were exceptionally well drawn. I found them believable. Good people can be saccharine if not allowed to have some flaws but these were great characters, warts and all.
I love a book whose author's passion for the story pulls me in. I can't abide blandness. This tale explored many deep emotions, anger, fear, suspicion, jealousy, love, hope, despair and loyalty. It pulled no punches in regard to its younger readers. I enjoyed every minute of this book and was sorry when it ended.
I love a book whose author's passion for the story pulls me in. I can't abide blandness. This tale explored many deep emotions, anger, fear, suspicion, jealousy, love, hope, despair and loyalty. It pulled no punches in regard to its younger readers. I enjoyed every minute of this book and was sorry when it ended.
October 9, 2014
What's not to like about this YA fantasy? It has good and evil wizards, magic crystals, a brave and daring heroine and plenty of dragons!
Following the death of her mother when she was very young, Kira, the young storyteller has been brought up quietly by her adored father without knowing that her father is a wizard banned from using magic following his role in a man's death. When he inadvertently uses magic to save a child's life he is sentenced to death and Kira's life is turned upside down. Kira sets out to somehow rescue her father and seek help to overthrow the evil wizard Apharis who seeks to control the Council and turn her country back into one ruled by Wizards. A nicely paced story with a good strong plot and plenty of action (and wonderful dragons!)
Following the death of her mother when she was very young, Kira, the young storyteller has been brought up quietly by her adored father without knowing that her father is a wizard banned from using magic following his role in a man's death. When he inadvertently uses magic to save a child's life he is sentenced to death and Kira's life is turned upside down. Kira sets out to somehow rescue her father and seek help to overthrow the evil wizard Apharis who seeks to control the Council and turn her country back into one ruled by Wizards. A nicely paced story with a good strong plot and plenty of action (and wonderful dragons!)
April 29, 2012
I have to confess to being somewhat over-dragoned lately. There seems to be a preponderance of vampire, zombie and dragon books around at the moment. I remember when Anne McCaffrey bought Pern to our attention, and thinking how original it was. I am pleased to say that Mark of the Dragon Queen has rekindled my interest in the subject.
The story is told from the viewpoint of a teenage girl whose father has a number of secrets that are suddenly revealed when an apparently random event takes place to reveal the father’s guilty secret. From there, things move apace, as the daughter, Kira, becomes severely affected from that past. She is forced to confront the consequences of these secrets, as she tries to save her father from peril.
The pace of the book keeps you turning the pages as more and more is revealed. The characters are well developed through the adventure right up to the final confrontation. I believe that the book is aimed at the young adult readers amongst us, but speaking as one who is a few years beyond that, I found it most entertaining.
The book has obviously been well edited as the errors are very few and far between, which is a welcome change from some indie and mainstream books I have read of late.
If you want a good book to read, with good characterisation and plot, then this one should definitely be in your “to be read” pile.
The story is told from the viewpoint of a teenage girl whose father has a number of secrets that are suddenly revealed when an apparently random event takes place to reveal the father’s guilty secret. From there, things move apace, as the daughter, Kira, becomes severely affected from that past. She is forced to confront the consequences of these secrets, as she tries to save her father from peril.
The pace of the book keeps you turning the pages as more and more is revealed. The characters are well developed through the adventure right up to the final confrontation. I believe that the book is aimed at the young adult readers amongst us, but speaking as one who is a few years beyond that, I found it most entertaining.
The book has obviously been well edited as the errors are very few and far between, which is a welcome change from some indie and mainstream books I have read of late.
If you want a good book to read, with good characterisation and plot, then this one should definitely be in your “to be read” pile.
February 20, 2013
Fantasy Review Barn
I rather enjoyed 'Treespeaker' by the same author, so I was more than willing to try this. It turns out to be very different. The setting is a fairly generic one - a small town ruled by a lord, with doctors and horse-drawn buggies and a stratified society, but also with wizardry and dragons. Magic is tightly controlled in this particular realm. The main character, Kira, is living a quiet life with her widowed father, a teacher, when he uses magic to save a child's life, breaking an oath and condemning himself to death. The story follows Kira's attempts to rescue him from his fate.
There is an interesting story in here, and the background was very intriguing. The use of magic, how and when it can be used, the crystals which somehow enable its use to be monitored, the way it operates elsewhere, the agreement with the dragons - all of this was rather nice, and I would have liked to know more. But for me things fell apart with the characters, particularly Kira.
Now, there's no immutable law that says that every female main character in fantasy has to be feisty, resourceful, independent-minded and spirited. It's perfectly possible for a heroine (or hero, for that matter) to be timid, nervous, awkward, reclusive or shy, and still bravely do whatever the plot calls upon them to do. But what really doesn't work is stupidity, and Kira, it has to be said, is stupid. I thought at first she was just very young - everyone calls her 'child', and she acts like one, too. People treat her as if she's some delicate flower who has to be protected from the wind at all costs. Initially I guessed she was about six or so, but no - turns out she is actually fifteen. Even having lived a very sheltered life, she should be more sensible than she appears here.
First she is startled and falls over while escaping with her father, getting herself injured and causing him nobly to sacrifice himself so that she can be treated. Then she droops around doing nothing very much for several months, being looked after by helpful friends. Then when she thinks a former student of her father's, Arun, is going to rescue him, she decides to tag along. Why? What can she possibly hope to achieve? She has no skills, no magic, no artefacts which could conceivably make any difference, and she's so helpless, she's only likely to get in the way. As she does, in fact. When he (very sensibly) tells her to go home, she follows him anyway and manages to fall in the river. And so on. She isn't the only one making irrational decisions in this book (Arun is not without blame here, and Kira's father isn't always sensible either) but Kira is the worst. Being determined is an admirable quality, but not without a modicum of common sense.
The other characters are either good, kind people, or thoroughly bad people, with no in between, and sometimes without an obvious reason for being bad. The woman who is nasty to Kira, for instance, because her father has been sent to Verebor prison - why? In a small town, where Kira has grown up, there would surely be a great deal of sympathy for her situation, and people would rally round to help. It's designed to make the reader sympathise with her, perhaps, but it just seemed unrealistic to me.
This may seem very critical, but it's purely a personal reaction. There's a good story in here, and plenty of action. For those who don't mind a heroine who starts off rather limply and (I assume) becomes more self-sufficient later, this would work very well, and there are some interesting details to the magic system and background to be uncovered. I enjoyed the author's 'Treespeaker', a more unusual story than this, so it's not the author's writing style that's the problem here, but purely the extreme wetness of the main character which grates on me. I got about a third of the way through before giving up. One star for a DNF.
I rather enjoyed 'Treespeaker' by the same author, so I was more than willing to try this. It turns out to be very different. The setting is a fairly generic one - a small town ruled by a lord, with doctors and horse-drawn buggies and a stratified society, but also with wizardry and dragons. Magic is tightly controlled in this particular realm. The main character, Kira, is living a quiet life with her widowed father, a teacher, when he uses magic to save a child's life, breaking an oath and condemning himself to death. The story follows Kira's attempts to rescue him from his fate.
There is an interesting story in here, and the background was very intriguing. The use of magic, how and when it can be used, the crystals which somehow enable its use to be monitored, the way it operates elsewhere, the agreement with the dragons - all of this was rather nice, and I would have liked to know more. But for me things fell apart with the characters, particularly Kira.
Now, there's no immutable law that says that every female main character in fantasy has to be feisty, resourceful, independent-minded and spirited. It's perfectly possible for a heroine (or hero, for that matter) to be timid, nervous, awkward, reclusive or shy, and still bravely do whatever the plot calls upon them to do. But what really doesn't work is stupidity, and Kira, it has to be said, is stupid. I thought at first she was just very young - everyone calls her 'child', and she acts like one, too. People treat her as if she's some delicate flower who has to be protected from the wind at all costs. Initially I guessed she was about six or so, but no - turns out she is actually fifteen. Even having lived a very sheltered life, she should be more sensible than she appears here.
First she is startled and falls over while escaping with her father, getting herself injured and causing him nobly to sacrifice himself so that she can be treated. Then she droops around doing nothing very much for several months, being looked after by helpful friends. Then when she thinks a former student of her father's, Arun, is going to rescue him, she decides to tag along. Why? What can she possibly hope to achieve? She has no skills, no magic, no artefacts which could conceivably make any difference, and she's so helpless, she's only likely to get in the way. As she does, in fact. When he (very sensibly) tells her to go home, she follows him anyway and manages to fall in the river. And so on. She isn't the only one making irrational decisions in this book (Arun is not without blame here, and Kira's father isn't always sensible either) but Kira is the worst. Being determined is an admirable quality, but not without a modicum of common sense.
The other characters are either good, kind people, or thoroughly bad people, with no in between, and sometimes without an obvious reason for being bad. The woman who is nasty to Kira, for instance, because her father has been sent to Verebor prison - why? In a small town, where Kira has grown up, there would surely be a great deal of sympathy for her situation, and people would rally round to help. It's designed to make the reader sympathise with her, perhaps, but it just seemed unrealistic to me.
This may seem very critical, but it's purely a personal reaction. There's a good story in here, and plenty of action. For those who don't mind a heroine who starts off rather limply and (I assume) becomes more self-sufficient later, this would work very well, and there are some interesting details to the magic system and background to be uncovered. I enjoyed the author's 'Treespeaker', a more unusual story than this, so it's not the author's writing style that's the problem here, but purely the extreme wetness of the main character which grates on me. I got about a third of the way through before giving up. One star for a DNF.
July 24, 2012
Mark of the Dragon Queen is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Set in an unspecified era a century or so ago, somewhere in Europe (or so one imagines), the reader is transported to a wonderful world where cobbled streets abound and horses are the mode of transportation - unless one is lucky enough to have a dragon for a friend.
The book is peopled with eclectic and wonderful folk. Kira, our hero, is a girl of fifteen whose father Ifor is an eccentric intellectual. Kira's mother died when she was ten and she always considered she took care of him as much as he took care of her. But this kind and playful man has a secret past he has been keeping from her. Feisty and headstrong, when Ifor is arrested for breaking an old oath and sent off to a prison from which there is no escape, Kira decides she must do the impossible and get him released.
Thus begins a captivating tale of suspense that features a villain who wants Ifor out of the way so he can become Lord High Councillor - and use wizardry for nefarious purposes. But the villain has not counted on friendships that transcend transgressions to the depth of putting themselves in danger; magical crystals; and a dragon who owes her life to Ifor.
Ms Stewart has an innate talent for storytelling and her character development, prose and staging are exemplary. The settings are imaginative, the adventure takes the reader down paths that twist and turn - including one or two surprising ones we do not see coming. The ending is strong. We care about what happens to these people and are left wanting to know more of the story.
As with all good books, Ms Stewart's stories always have a message and Mark of the Dragon Queen is no exception. It is a story of trust and faith and honor and loyalty - and finding one's strength against great odds.
I loved the book - and I'm not a particular fan of fantasy. It is just an out and out good read for all ages. I look forward to reading a sequel...
4 1/2 stars!
Set in an unspecified era a century or so ago, somewhere in Europe (or so one imagines), the reader is transported to a wonderful world where cobbled streets abound and horses are the mode of transportation - unless one is lucky enough to have a dragon for a friend.
The book is peopled with eclectic and wonderful folk. Kira, our hero, is a girl of fifteen whose father Ifor is an eccentric intellectual. Kira's mother died when she was ten and she always considered she took care of him as much as he took care of her. But this kind and playful man has a secret past he has been keeping from her. Feisty and headstrong, when Ifor is arrested for breaking an old oath and sent off to a prison from which there is no escape, Kira decides she must do the impossible and get him released.
Thus begins a captivating tale of suspense that features a villain who wants Ifor out of the way so he can become Lord High Councillor - and use wizardry for nefarious purposes. But the villain has not counted on friendships that transcend transgressions to the depth of putting themselves in danger; magical crystals; and a dragon who owes her life to Ifor.
Ms Stewart has an innate talent for storytelling and her character development, prose and staging are exemplary. The settings are imaginative, the adventure takes the reader down paths that twist and turn - including one or two surprising ones we do not see coming. The ending is strong. We care about what happens to these people and are left wanting to know more of the story.
As with all good books, Ms Stewart's stories always have a message and Mark of the Dragon Queen is no exception. It is a story of trust and faith and honor and loyalty - and finding one's strength against great odds.
I loved the book - and I'm not a particular fan of fantasy. It is just an out and out good read for all ages. I look forward to reading a sequel...
4 1/2 stars!
March 24, 2012
This wonderful fantasy, full of wizards and dragons had me enchanted from the moment I started reading, the events at the beginning of the story had me completely intrigued and bursting to know what was going to happen next. The characters were lovable, excepting the baddie, and all the more so because of their faults and the mistakes they made. Aimed at a YA audience this story is written well with suitable language for younger readers while still being developed enough for adults to enjoy as well.
April 12, 2012
This book has reminded me of all that is good about the fantasy genre. I thought it was a fantastic read. I wouldn't have usually picked it up but did so as it was a group read.
The story was very well told and would appeal to many age groups. I loved all of the main characters but particularly Kira and Arun and the relationship between them. I would love to read more about these people and in particular what happens next for Ifor!
I look forward to reading more of this Authors work!
The story was very well told and would appeal to many age groups. I loved all of the main characters but particularly Kira and Arun and the relationship between them. I would love to read more about these people and in particular what happens next for Ifor!
I look forward to reading more of this Authors work!
January 21, 2012
I tremendously enjoyed the first novel by this Indie author, called Treespeaker. So I was curious about The Mark of the Dragon Queen and I wasn't disappointed. Although less subtle than Treespeaker, The Mark of the Dragon Queen contains more action which makes it a fast-paced read. The writing is once again very tight and smooth, as well as well-edited.
The story centers around the teenager Kira, who discovers her father's hidden past as he gets arrested for using magic. In a swift sequence of event, Kira's whole life is turned upside down.The intelligent Kira is hindered by her naivety and her stubbornness, but that same stubbornness also helps her. She's a well-balanced character and I enjoyed following her. Other characters, including Kira's father Ifor, his friend and doctor-magician Jan, and the young wizard-apprentice Arun show sufficient depth. The main antagonist, Apharis seemed shallow to me at first, but later on his characterization developed in such a way that I had to revise my view of him as just the standard evil just to be evil villain.
The dragons, whose queen plays a pivotal part in the story, are underdeveloped however. They seemed pretty generic and their characterization fell a bit flat. This is my main criticism on this novel, and that is a pity for an otherwise very strong story.
The worldbuilding is not very exotic, but interesting nonetheless. The novel's main strength is its plot though, which takes a fairly straight but swift path, and has some surprising bends and curves at the end. It kept me captivated and turning the pages.
Although Kira's age seems to indicate that this novel is aimed at the YA-market, it didn't bother me at all (and I'm not very keen on YA novels). The plot and character development makes this a good read for adults, and the fact that the story contains no excessive violence and gore or strong language makes it suitable for most ages, and readers from all walks of life. The themes in the novel are universal, and timeless.
Although I enjoyed the unique subtlety of Treespeaker more, this is another strong novel by Katie Stewart.
The story centers around the teenager Kira, who discovers her father's hidden past as he gets arrested for using magic. In a swift sequence of event, Kira's whole life is turned upside down.The intelligent Kira is hindered by her naivety and her stubbornness, but that same stubbornness also helps her. She's a well-balanced character and I enjoyed following her. Other characters, including Kira's father Ifor, his friend and doctor-magician Jan, and the young wizard-apprentice Arun show sufficient depth. The main antagonist, Apharis seemed shallow to me at first, but later on his characterization developed in such a way that I had to revise my view of him as just the standard evil just to be evil villain.
The dragons, whose queen plays a pivotal part in the story, are underdeveloped however. They seemed pretty generic and their characterization fell a bit flat. This is my main criticism on this novel, and that is a pity for an otherwise very strong story.
The worldbuilding is not very exotic, but interesting nonetheless. The novel's main strength is its plot though, which takes a fairly straight but swift path, and has some surprising bends and curves at the end. It kept me captivated and turning the pages.
Although Kira's age seems to indicate that this novel is aimed at the YA-market, it didn't bother me at all (and I'm not very keen on YA novels). The plot and character development makes this a good read for adults, and the fact that the story contains no excessive violence and gore or strong language makes it suitable for most ages, and readers from all walks of life. The themes in the novel are universal, and timeless.
Although I enjoyed the unique subtlety of Treespeaker more, this is another strong novel by Katie Stewart.
April 11, 2012
Superb. This book has reminded me of how good fantasy books are. After reading it as the April book club read for the UK kindle forum group on goodreads I was whisked away into an alternate reality. Dragons, magic, adventure, betrayal, friendship and the ultimate bond of love, Katie Stewart weaves these elements into a wonderful story, the like of which I've not read since I was introduced to Katherine Kerr (a good few years ago).
I would love to see this as the first book of many in a series, it has definately left me wanting more.
I would love to see this as the first book of many in a series, it has definately left me wanting more.
August 11, 2018
I have tried so hard to like this and it isn't awful. Just not very capturing.
I love the dragons but can't get into the other characters.
I love the dragons but can't get into the other characters.
July 17, 2012
Mark of the Dragon Queen is a highly riveting and original novel. It follows a young girl named Kira as she discovers many hidden secrets her father and others have been keeping over the years. These family secrets drive Kira to embark on a dangerous journey filled with dragons, prophecies and enemies that force these dark family secrets to bubble to the surface. This book is full of action and a real nail biter. Many twists and turns keep you guessing and fearful for the lives of these characters as they learn more about themselves in the present, their pasts that are not what they seemed and coming to terms with their futures and what they must do.
Katie Stewart develops many original and unique concepts in the book. In this fantastical world a crystal grows for each wizard as they come into their magic. A crystal reader can tell when each person has used magic and what they have done which is how Kira’s father, Ifor gets in trouble many years before this book takes place. I found this idea of wizards having crystals tied to their magic to be highly unique and would have loved to read more about how the concept works. I think this is a standalone book but I feel like more stories could be told centered in this world.
This is a very well written novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and could hardly put it down, once I picked it up. The excitement starts on page one and doesn’t stop until the last page.
Katie Stewart develops many original and unique concepts in the book. In this fantastical world a crystal grows for each wizard as they come into their magic. A crystal reader can tell when each person has used magic and what they have done which is how Kira’s father, Ifor gets in trouble many years before this book takes place. I found this idea of wizards having crystals tied to their magic to be highly unique and would have loved to read more about how the concept works. I think this is a standalone book but I feel like more stories could be told centered in this world.
This is a very well written novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and could hardly put it down, once I picked it up. The excitement starts on page one and doesn’t stop until the last page.
April 12, 2012
I got this free on Amazon for my kindle and I must thank the author for allowing that. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of wizards and dragons. The story flowed well and I was eager to keep reading. The characters were 'real' and I believed them as they each took their personal journey. The world where the story was set is a strong one and I would definitely be interested if there was ever a sequel. Aimed at young adults But I think fantasy readers of any age would enjoy this one.
April 14, 2012
I loved this - normally, I'm not such a big fan of dragons but this story was so original and well-written, and the dragons wo well integrated into the story that I became rather fond of them.
Lots of exciting action, skullduggery and difficult situations for the MC to overcome, I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling the read for other people. However, I do recommend this as a satisfying, 5* read.
Lots of exciting action, skullduggery and difficult situations for the MC to overcome, I don't want to say too much for fear of spoiling the read for other people. However, I do recommend this as a satisfying, 5* read.
May 28, 2013
I found this a slower start than Treespeaker and obviously it is a different setting and different cast, but once the story got going the originality and well constructed plot made this a fast paced and exciting read. By the time I got towards the end I didn't want the book to finish and am keen to know what happens to the characters now?
December 28, 2013
A rip roaring adventure, full of twists and turns at every corner. Wonderful new created fantasy world by Katie W. Stewart. Unexpected turn of events keep this tale wagging till the very end. Wonderful read.
August 27, 2012
Absolutely fantastic. I read this in 3 days on my Kindle.
I cant wait to read some more of Katie W Stewart books.
I cant wait to read some more of Katie W Stewart books.
December 6, 2012
Tightly written and immaculately edited, the prose draws you into a wonderful journey through Kira's world. I loved this book.
June 9, 2015
I don't usually enjoy fantasy or young adult books but I really enjoyed this one. Well written and good suspense. This made me want to keep reading to see how it would end.
November 27, 2017
Wow...Just wow. This book was an emotional read.
There were many things I didn't see coming. This fantasy book made me enter the world of the unknown as I followed the characters throughout their journey.
The journey that the characters took were tough, but they somehow managed to evade them. However, some of the times were hard to escape.
At the end of the book, I found it hard to accept what had happened to Ifor, Kira's father. I felt sorry for him in every way possible. It wasn't fair on him at all. You could feel the drama and wanted to be in the scene and help out with the others.
This book was such a brilliant and enjoyable read that I would read this book over and over again.
I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers and for people who would love to go on an adventure with the characters.
There were many things I didn't see coming. This fantasy book made me enter the world of the unknown as I followed the characters throughout their journey.
The journey that the characters took were tough, but they somehow managed to evade them. However, some of the times were hard to escape.
At the end of the book, I found it hard to accept what had happened to Ifor, Kira's father. I felt sorry for him in every way possible. It wasn't fair on him at all. You could feel the drama and wanted to be in the scene and help out with the others.
This book was such a brilliant and enjoyable read that I would read this book over and over again.
I would recommend this book to fantasy lovers and for people who would love to go on an adventure with the characters.
December 8, 2020
Mark of the Dragon Queen by Katie W. Stewart. Dragons! (You’re won over already, aren’t you… I was.) This was a fun, YA/ tween coming of age, epic fantasy. The characterisations, writing and pacing were excellent. The heroine wasn’t exactly my ideal, but I suspect she was portrayed in a more realistic way than many others in this genre. She’s just an average girl who doesn’t have kick arse martial skills, but is smart and outwits an enemy sorcerer to beat the odds. All round fun and I class it as suitable for 12 year-olds and upwards and as “clean indie read.”
December 18, 2020
Sins of the Father
The protagonist in this stand alone novel is a fifteen year old girl named Kira. Her ordeal begins when the sins of her father come back to haunt them but in time we learn there is an even bigger game afoot. This tale twists and turns with some surprises along the way, plus there are dragons!
This is a classic good versus evil coming of age magical fantasy. It keeps a steady pace, is well edited, and fit for all ages.
The protagonist in this stand alone novel is a fifteen year old girl named Kira. Her ordeal begins when the sins of her father come back to haunt them but in time we learn there is an even bigger game afoot. This tale twists and turns with some surprises along the way, plus there are dragons!
This is a classic good versus evil coming of age magical fantasy. It keeps a steady pace, is well edited, and fit for all ages.
September 19, 2017
Lackluster
All that work to tell a story that ends like a dud, it seems the writer got bored with her characters or lost imagination.
All that work to tell a story that ends like a dud, it seems the writer got bored with her characters or lost imagination.
February 21, 2019
A good read
While this book was a good read, I wouldn’t read it again. Not because I didn’t like it but because it couldn’t hold my attention as well as some stories have in the past. Still a good read though
While this book was a good read, I wouldn’t read it again. Not because I didn’t like it but because it couldn’t hold my attention as well as some stories have in the past. Still a good read though
November 21, 2012
Originally reviewed at Witchmag's Boekenplank
I wasn’t that enamored with this story and it took me several attempts to finish it. There were just too many things that annoyed me, mainly someone named Kira. Your typical YA heroine without brains, or at least the ability to use them. And this behavior started right at the start. Cause how is it otherwise possible to think that, when you overhear a person talking about busting someone out of prison, it must be your dad they are talking about? He isn’t the only one in jail, you know. She really talked through her hat most of the story. And don’t let me get started about her egoistic and oh-my-god-did-she-really-do-that-? behavior, cause that was even worse.
Her father has similar problems, so I guess it runs in the family? Although his problem is that he wants to save EVERYONE. Which usually ends with more victims than when they started. Oh and don’t forget Aurun, who also seems to have problems with grasping the consequences of his actions. His biggest mistake is not tying Kira to a tree and instead letting her tag along. So much could have been prevented!
Okay enough about them, let’s talk about something more fun: dragons! Dragons are apparently wise and very dangerous creatures that inhabit the world Kira lives in. Then why did I get the feeling they were no more than lap-dogs who arrive at even the slightest sign of danger to save the day? I hoped so much more! Something in line with Saphira from Eragon. That’s what I call a wise and dangerous creature. But instead I got large lap dogs. *Sigh*
There also seems to be a lack of feelings for friends and acquaintances who get injured or die. Okay, Kiri is sad for a couple of seconds, before she continues her merry way. Where is the commitment? Those people / dragons died for you! The least you could do is give a moments thought about what they did and meant for you! I got the feeling that the only individuals that mattered where Father, Auran, Jan and his wife. Cause the world seemed to end if they got but the littlest scratch. Talk about priority!
Despite all above I still managed to give this 2 hearts. Why? Because the world they live in is interesting. That’s what kept my attention while reading the book. I really liked the idea of the crystals and what Kira’s role will be. It’s a refreshing take on the whole wizard / mage / magic experience.
Conclusion: 2 hearts. The main characters annoyed me, especially Kira, with their thoughtless behavior. I didn’t like how the dragons are portrayed like lap-dogs. There also was a significant lack of feelings when somebody died. So why did I give it 2 hearts? That’s because of the world building. I really liked the crystals and what they do. And because I managed to finish it, without throwing it through the room
I wasn’t that enamored with this story and it took me several attempts to finish it. There were just too many things that annoyed me, mainly someone named Kira. Your typical YA heroine without brains, or at least the ability to use them. And this behavior started right at the start. Cause how is it otherwise possible to think that, when you overhear a person talking about busting someone out of prison, it must be your dad they are talking about? He isn’t the only one in jail, you know. She really talked through her hat most of the story. And don’t let me get started about her egoistic and oh-my-god-did-she-really-do-that-? behavior, cause that was even worse.
Her father has similar problems, so I guess it runs in the family? Although his problem is that he wants to save EVERYONE. Which usually ends with more victims than when they started. Oh and don’t forget Aurun, who also seems to have problems with grasping the consequences of his actions. His biggest mistake is not tying Kira to a tree and instead letting her tag along. So much could have been prevented!
Okay enough about them, let’s talk about something more fun: dragons! Dragons are apparently wise and very dangerous creatures that inhabit the world Kira lives in. Then why did I get the feeling they were no more than lap-dogs who arrive at even the slightest sign of danger to save the day? I hoped so much more! Something in line with Saphira from Eragon. That’s what I call a wise and dangerous creature. But instead I got large lap dogs. *Sigh*
There also seems to be a lack of feelings for friends and acquaintances who get injured or die. Okay, Kiri is sad for a couple of seconds, before she continues her merry way. Where is the commitment? Those people / dragons died for you! The least you could do is give a moments thought about what they did and meant for you! I got the feeling that the only individuals that mattered where Father, Auran, Jan and his wife. Cause the world seemed to end if they got but the littlest scratch. Talk about priority!
Despite all above I still managed to give this 2 hearts. Why? Because the world they live in is interesting. That’s what kept my attention while reading the book. I really liked the idea of the crystals and what Kira’s role will be. It’s a refreshing take on the whole wizard / mage / magic experience.
Conclusion: 2 hearts. The main characters annoyed me, especially Kira, with their thoughtless behavior. I didn’t like how the dragons are portrayed like lap-dogs. There also was a significant lack of feelings when somebody died. So why did I give it 2 hearts? That’s because of the world building. I really liked the crystals and what they do. And because I managed to finish it, without throwing it through the room
January 18, 2014
Kira’s world is shattered when her father saves a boy by levitating him to safety. By using magic her father broke an oath he made eighteen years before. Kira had only known him as a teacher and her head spins as she tries to adjust to her new reality. They flee away from everything she’s known, but they are caught and her father sent to a dreadful prison. No one leaves the prison alive, but the High Counsellor tells Kira to believe the impossible.
The challenge with believing the impossible is knowing just what is impossible means. Kira. Struggles with the Counsellor’s advice and at every step she finds another thing that demands her belief.
The character of Kira walks the fine line between helpless girl and the Mary-Sue. She feels very much like a real person with her own set of foibles and fears. The same is true for the other characters. Even the villain is shown as a whole, if misguided, person. The dialogue works well and maintains a consistent voice through the book.
The plot had a nice number of twists and turns. It was easy to keep track of what was happening, but impossible to predict with any accuracy what was coming. This is a real achievement since I can often outline the plot of a book after a couple of chapters. It kept me interested and involved right to the conclusion.
Mark of the Dragon Queen is an independently published novel and it is what indie novels should be. It is professionally written and polished. The story is interesting and complex and the characters are well rounded and empathetic. Katie W. Stewart has more than one surprise in the plot of this book and it is a delight to read from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy and young adult.
The challenge with believing the impossible is knowing just what is impossible means. Kira. Struggles with the Counsellor’s advice and at every step she finds another thing that demands her belief.
The character of Kira walks the fine line between helpless girl and the Mary-Sue. She feels very much like a real person with her own set of foibles and fears. The same is true for the other characters. Even the villain is shown as a whole, if misguided, person. The dialogue works well and maintains a consistent voice through the book.
The plot had a nice number of twists and turns. It was easy to keep track of what was happening, but impossible to predict with any accuracy what was coming. This is a real achievement since I can often outline the plot of a book after a couple of chapters. It kept me interested and involved right to the conclusion.
Mark of the Dragon Queen is an independently published novel and it is what indie novels should be. It is professionally written and polished. The story is interesting and complex and the characters are well rounded and empathetic. Katie W. Stewart has more than one surprise in the plot of this book and it is a delight to read from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy and young adult.
March 6, 2020
3.5
goodness, this book is so bittersweet! my heart aches just thinking of kira and her father, and even arun and his experiences.
kira is a very headstrong character, but her love and dedication to her father is incredible. there really is no limit to what she would do for him, and it's a wonderful quality in a teenage character. sure, she made mistakes that ended up hurting her father more, but her reasons never really came across as selfish since her goals focused more on her father's well being (ie, 'i must rescue father!' as opposed to simply, 'i want to see father!').
arun... well, i admit, in the beginning i thought he was going to be a love interest of sorts, so i was a bit thrown off by how he fit into the picture. talk about a two-sided coin! i was amazed at how thoughtful he could be towards kira, and so hateful and angry at father. but he certainly had reason, and he redeemed himself around the middle of the book.
and father. well, it's amazing that a character can have such a sad history and be so levelheaded. i love that he loves his children. it'sso moving that he is willing to die (literally) to protect them. it seriously broke my heart that the part of him that is their father was lost because of apharis.
overall, a good read. going in, i did not expect to cry! not at all! i hope to see more of these characters, and what other adventures they have.
goodness, this book is so bittersweet! my heart aches just thinking of kira and her father, and even arun and his experiences.
kira is a very headstrong character, but her love and dedication to her father is incredible. there really is no limit to what she would do for him, and it's a wonderful quality in a teenage character. sure, she made mistakes that ended up hurting her father more, but her reasons never really came across as selfish since her goals focused more on her father's well being (ie, 'i must rescue father!' as opposed to simply, 'i want to see father!').
arun... well, i admit, in the beginning i thought he was going to be a love interest of sorts, so i was a bit thrown off by how he fit into the picture. talk about a two-sided coin! i was amazed at how thoughtful he could be towards kira, and so hateful and angry at father. but he certainly had reason, and he redeemed himself around the middle of the book.
and father. well, it's amazing that a character can have such a sad history and be so levelheaded. i love that he loves his children. it'sso moving that he is willing to die (literally) to protect them. it seriously broke my heart that the part of him that is their father was lost because of apharis.
overall, a good read. going in, i did not expect to cry! not at all! i hope to see more of these characters, and what other adventures they have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2014
The story starts out at a fast pace, as a teenage girl’s life abruptly falls apart within the first chapter. The reader is then taken on an epic journey filled with magic, dragons, and adventure.
I give this book five stars. It’s a classic fantasy read where good versus a great evil. The author didn’t give any secrets away, and the plot is thick and filled with surprises. There’s a lot of action, and I don’t believe this story was lacking in any way. I can highly recommend it to anyone interested in fantasy reads.
As for my clean rating, I am very impressed with the writing of this author. Although there is death that is to be expected from an epic fantasy, there are no curse words or sexual content–not even kissing. This book is clean enough for middle grade children, yet it’s perfect for adults also. It’s an adventure you won’t outgrow.
If you love stories involving magic and dragons, then I suggest you give it a try. I’m a *cough* older woman, yet I highly enjoyed this book.
I give this book five stars. It’s a classic fantasy read where good versus a great evil. The author didn’t give any secrets away, and the plot is thick and filled with surprises. There’s a lot of action, and I don’t believe this story was lacking in any way. I can highly recommend it to anyone interested in fantasy reads.
As for my clean rating, I am very impressed with the writing of this author. Although there is death that is to be expected from an epic fantasy, there are no curse words or sexual content–not even kissing. This book is clean enough for middle grade children, yet it’s perfect for adults also. It’s an adventure you won’t outgrow.
If you love stories involving magic and dragons, then I suggest you give it a try. I’m a *cough* older woman, yet I highly enjoyed this book.
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