The Dragonslayer's Apprentice

by David Calder, Stieg Retlin

Enjoying the challenges of being a Dragonslayer's apprentice, which include complaining townspeople, a hawk-eyed Dragonslayer, and dragons with bad attitudes, Jackie thrives on the adventures that come her way. Original.

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

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Tracy Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - this was a fun read. It was only a short raft to read story, but the characters were fun

[Zoe Kaplan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, clever book. It's a shame it's so short.

[Joe Kessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember checking out this book from the library on multiple occasions as a kid, but upon belatedly getting around to an adult reread, I'm disappointed to report that it seems an utterly unremarkable story. The setting is the most generic medieval fantasy land, with few distinguishing cultural flourishes or other worldbuilding elements. The characters are not particularly clever or funny, nor are they ever significantly challenged in a way that's not immediately overcome. In the barest hint of a plot arc, the title figure turns out to be a runaway princess who doubts the royal family will approve of her new profession, which comes to a bit of a head right before the abrupt ending. She also faces a great deal of heavy-handed sexism throughout, usually in the form of someone being surprised by her gender and then astonished when she in fact proves quite capable at dispatching monsters.

The novel is presented from her boss's point of view anyway, and most of the action consists of their small band traveling from one location to another and defeating the creature / villain of the day: first a giant kitten, then a literal dragon, next a pair of monstrous killer birds, and finally a woman claiming to be a witch. There's some discussion of the varying levels of organizational competence in each successive township, but it's too scattered to feel like it's meant to build to any particular thesis.

The thing that's stuck with me most over the years is the taciturn assistant dragonslayer Ron, whose gestures and brief utterances are interpreted at greater eloquence by the viewpoint protagonist, for instance mentally translating a nod as, "I've unpacked the equipment, checked it, sharpened everything, made repairs where necessary, oiled everything, laid it out in order and locked it up safely." And that remains amusing, but it does suggest a certain comic tone a la Douglas Adams or Terry Pratchett that isn't really met in the rest of the text.

I was hoping I'd be able to herald this as a hidden gem unfairly doomed to obscurity by the vagaries of the reading public, but it's simply nothing special even by the standards of children's fiction from 1997. The girl-power message is appreciated, but you'd get all that and more from someone like Tamora Pierce. This one unfortunately brings very little else to the table.

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[Joseph Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book and I enjoyed it quite a bit. While the english can be hard to understand in some parts of the book it had a story that really keep in into the story. If there is a second book I wanna read it soon. The reason I choose to read this book is becuase I saw it on the book shelf and I mistook it for another book I've read in the past. My favourite thing about this book is the authors sense of humor really shone though the main charatcer. There is very little I would change about this book. The one thing I would change about it is the english itself. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fanasty its a really good book and I enjoyed reading every bit of it.

[Night Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been 10 years I had this book and I still go back to read it. Love the inclusivity which was ahead of its time. Loved the author’s humour. Loved how the fantasy aspects are still balanced by a bit of reality.

[Sadie Pulsifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as a quick read. It is fast paced and easy to follow. Some characters seem unnecessary, but keep the story from being repetitive in a way. The ending is rushed and expected.

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cure

[Roxana · Rating 2 out of 5]

What an odd little book. Something of a leadership/management guide disguised as a middle-grade fantasy. I think I liked it, but the ending is flat.

[Cassius · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that The Dragonslayer’s Apprentice by David Calder is an exciting book. The main character, Jackie, is a 15-year old girl who loves action. She is not afraid of any creature, witch, or other danger that she may meet on her adventures. I thought that reading this book was exciting and I would definitely recommend it to people who like action and adventure. Besides being an exciting read I also thought the book was very easy to read, I read it over a couple of weeks but I actually think that you could easily read it in a few days if you read it a lot. The best thing about The Dragonslayer’s Apprentice was that it was really funny, this book really made me laugh. However, it was a bit predictable; the dragonslayer slays the dragon etc. No big surprises, therefor it wasn't that exciting.


Cassius Mohapi
11/9/13
Rating: ***

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little book that I pick up and read for a pick me up. This book is more about the dragon slayer, as it is his perspective but the way it's told is fun with a dash of snark. The dragon slayer has an assistant, who barely says two words, and an apprentice who is a 16 year old girl/run away princess. She has a witty way about her, and if you are looking for a bathtub book or something light to read this is a fun little book to have.

--Personal side note, this book is responsible for my inability to spell words like realize and color without trying to add the UK affect. Colour and realise.

[Evie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this when I was pretty young, and it sparked something in my brain. Girl could be heroes! Girls could slay dragons! It's a pretty lucid story, written in a tongue-in-cheek manner. Good for a young audience, but someone older might find it lacking.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fast paced exciting read but enjoyable. Some parts seemed to drag but it kept my interest. I was not surprised by the ending as the author gives many hints leading up to it. It had plenty of humor. I recommend to someone who enjoys fantasy that is looking for a quick light read.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite funny! It was a very simple book, plot-wise, as it didn't include tons of sensory details to make the book extremely exciting, but I laughed out loud at some points and enjoyed the story overall. The characters were diverse, and ideas were interesting, making for a decent book.

[Sophie Ranger_of_the_oakleaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, so far!

[Whitney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would consider this a children's fantasy book. Not a lot of plot, but still enjoyable, in a child-type way. Could be re-written to be much more exicitng, but less okay for children.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

[Nibrock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, quick, young read. Little, expected, twist at the end.

[K.D. Delgado · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book, and perfect bed time story. As a child I read this, now as an adult my own children enjoy it.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I loved the author's tongue-in-cheek writing style.