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Dragon Run
A boy goes on the run in this fast-paced fantasy debut.
Can a zero become a hero?
Testing Day is supposed to be a day of celebration for Al Pilgrommor. Born into a wealthy family, he expects to follow in his successful father's footsteps. Of course, that all depends on the rank number Al receives at the testing. The higher the rank he has tattooed onto his neck, the better his life will be.
To his surprise and horror, Al is revealed to be rank zero, the lowest of the low. He's now not only an outcast — he's also a danger to his entire family. So Al goes on the run, fleeing the brutal Cullers, men who hunt down zeroes . . . and put them to death.
Cast out of his home, cut off from his friends, and armed with only a sword and his wits, Al is reduced to just surviving. As he meets other outcasts, however, he begins to suspect that he is a pawn in a larger game — and that he might have the power to tip the scales in a high-stakes struggle between man and dragon.
Can a zero become a hero?
Testing Day is supposed to be a day of celebration for Al Pilgrommor. Born into a wealthy family, he expects to follow in his successful father's footsteps. Of course, that all depends on the rank number Al receives at the testing. The higher the rank he has tattooed onto his neck, the better his life will be.
To his surprise and horror, Al is revealed to be rank zero, the lowest of the low. He's now not only an outcast — he's also a danger to his entire family. So Al goes on the run, fleeing the brutal Cullers, men who hunt down zeroes . . . and put them to death.
Cast out of his home, cut off from his friends, and armed with only a sword and his wits, Al is reduced to just surviving. As he meets other outcasts, however, he begins to suspect that he is a pawn in a larger game — and that he might have the power to tip the scales in a high-stakes struggle between man and dragon.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2013
63 people are currently reading
1805 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Matthews
6 books47 followersMultiple award-winning author and game designer, Patrick Matthews creates exciting stories about worlds both futuristic and fantastic.
Some are filled with dragons and magic. Others dive into dystopian projections of humanity's path ahead.
He believes the best story is one that's fast and fun. It takes us to faraway places, but stays with us long after we're done reading. It leaves us asking questions and looking at our own world with new eyes.
Some are filled with dragons and magic. Others dive into dystopian projections of humanity's path ahead.
He believes the best story is one that's fast and fun. It takes us to faraway places, but stays with us long after we're done reading. It leaves us asking questions and looking at our own world with new eyes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
May 17, 2013
Dragon Run was exciting and fun!
+ the plot
The first half was good. I liked how exposition was conveyed without tipping into info-dumping territory. Never once did the story feel slow going. In fact, there was always suspense which surprised and thrilled me.
Once the plot hit the half mark, it ran faster. There was CONSPIRACY. It appeared Al’s induction as a rank zero triggered converging schemes into motion. Hot damn!
When the plot reached last quarter mark, it ran furiously. Revelations struck, bam! War against the evil dragons began, bam! The hero rushed to accomplish his mission before all hope was lost, bam, bam, bam! Action, action, action. I loved it!
+ the characters
I liked Al a lot. He had a lot of anxieties and insecurities in the beginning but near halfway in the book he began to discover courage, resourcefulness, and this thing called thinking on your own. He began to grow into the hero I hoped he would become. I liked how what made him a hero was his inner strength, not his status as a rank zero which thankfully never devolved into a special snowflake.
What I loved most about Al was the fact that he learned from his mistakes, in particular how he continued to practice his sword skill — on his own, without anyone’s provocation — because he knew it was survival skill he must learn. A hero learning from his mistakes and trying to be smart and practical? Say what? Hell yes! The kid rocked the story in the last half with his awesomeness. I never felt like he was out of his depth or too young for the task. Hot damn, Al put a lot of the adult heroes I read in my adult books to shame. A lot, a lot. Ocean wide.
I also liked Al’s friends. I loved that Trillia and Wisp reappeared by the half mark and teamed up with Al to save him which quickly turned into save the world from the evil dragons. Two boys, one girl, one mission to the save world; it’s a true and tried formula.
I liked Al, and Wisp was okay, but I loved Trillia the most! She was a lady, but she was no damsel in distress. If anything, she would be the knight in shining armor on a white horse who would ride to rescue her dudes in distress, Al and Wisp. I would not have been surprised if that happen in some form. She was so awesome but fortunately for Al she never shone so much that she took the spotlight away him, although to be honest I wouldn’t have minded it much.
I pitied Wisp. He was just pitifully average in comparison to his heroic friends, but I’m glad he turned out to be a true friend and a helpful person (read: not a burden) in the mission. I quickly forgave Wisp for his single act of betrayal against Al.
+ niggles
The characters were great but there some niggles with the supporting characters, besides the one with Wisp for being pitifully average. Readers never learn who Lady Sapphire truly was or what specific role Al’s father played in regard to the Third, a clandestine militia who went anti-Dragons because their Dragon lord betrayed them. It was not as if there was a lack of opportunities because there were many. Then there was Al’s sister who was always mentioned but never in-depth as if she was insignificant which struck me as odd. I liked that the plot always kept things moving, but it did to an extent where I felt like an inch of depth was sacrificed in the process.
My last niggle was the ending. It was great, but I wished there was an epilogue to extend the celebratory mood and allow me to see the aftermath.
In Conclusion
I rate Dragon Run 4-stars for I really liked it. I decided to bump it a star because it was a fun read which I don’t get enough of lately, especially when one of the last books I recently read had a protagonist who was only a year older than Al but it was a brutal read. Dragon Run was a great followup after that book.
I recommend Dragon Run if you’re looking for a fun read. Don’t let the fact that it’s a Middle Grade book deter you if you don’t usually read Middle Grade like me. If you love the movie How To Train Your Dragon and desire a similar entertainment, try Dragon Run.
+ the plot
The first half was good. I liked how exposition was conveyed without tipping into info-dumping territory. Never once did the story feel slow going. In fact, there was always suspense which surprised and thrilled me.
Once the plot hit the half mark, it ran faster. There was CONSPIRACY. It appeared Al’s induction as a rank zero triggered converging schemes into motion. Hot damn!
When the plot reached last quarter mark, it ran furiously. Revelations struck, bam! War against the evil dragons began, bam! The hero rushed to accomplish his mission before all hope was lost, bam, bam, bam! Action, action, action. I loved it!
+ the characters
I liked Al a lot. He had a lot of anxieties and insecurities in the beginning but near halfway in the book he began to discover courage, resourcefulness, and this thing called thinking on your own. He began to grow into the hero I hoped he would become. I liked how what made him a hero was his inner strength, not his status as a rank zero which thankfully never devolved into a special snowflake.
What I loved most about Al was the fact that he learned from his mistakes, in particular how he continued to practice his sword skill — on his own, without anyone’s provocation — because he knew it was survival skill he must learn. A hero learning from his mistakes and trying to be smart and practical? Say what? Hell yes! The kid rocked the story in the last half with his awesomeness. I never felt like he was out of his depth or too young for the task. Hot damn, Al put a lot of the adult heroes I read in my adult books to shame. A lot, a lot. Ocean wide.
I also liked Al’s friends. I loved that Trillia and Wisp reappeared by the half mark and teamed up with Al to save him which quickly turned into save the world from the evil dragons. Two boys, one girl, one mission to the save world; it’s a true and tried formula.
I liked Al, and Wisp was okay, but I loved Trillia the most! She was a lady, but she was no damsel in distress. If anything, she would be the knight in shining armor on a white horse who would ride to rescue her dudes in distress, Al and Wisp. I would not have been surprised if that happen in some form. She was so awesome but fortunately for Al she never shone so much that she took the spotlight away him, although to be honest I wouldn’t have minded it much.
I pitied Wisp. He was just pitifully average in comparison to his heroic friends, but I’m glad he turned out to be a true friend and a helpful person (read: not a burden) in the mission. I quickly forgave Wisp for his single act of betrayal against Al.
+ niggles
The characters were great but there some niggles with the supporting characters, besides the one with Wisp for being pitifully average. Readers never learn who Lady Sapphire truly was or what specific role Al’s father played in regard to the Third, a clandestine militia who went anti-Dragons because their Dragon lord betrayed them. It was not as if there was a lack of opportunities because there were many. Then there was Al’s sister who was always mentioned but never in-depth as if she was insignificant which struck me as odd. I liked that the plot always kept things moving, but it did to an extent where I felt like an inch of depth was sacrificed in the process.
My last niggle was the ending. It was great, but I wished there was an epilogue to extend the celebratory mood and allow me to see the aftermath.
In Conclusion
I rate Dragon Run 4-stars for I really liked it. I decided to bump it a star because it was a fun read which I don’t get enough of lately, especially when one of the last books I recently read had a protagonist who was only a year older than Al but it was a brutal read. Dragon Run was a great followup after that book.
I recommend Dragon Run if you’re looking for a fun read. Don’t let the fact that it’s a Middle Grade book deter you if you don’t usually read Middle Grade like me. If you love the movie How To Train Your Dragon and desire a similar entertainment, try Dragon Run.
May 17, 2019
Fun read, a bit eastern/manga-ish in flavor/feel. Not seeped and not strongly so, just... the decoration? Interesting plot. Interesting world-building. Characters lack depth and dimension. I had fun reading it, but when I finished it I didn't really have much to ponder.
If there is a sequel I would read it, though.
If there is a sequel I would read it, though.
February 25, 2013
Not only does Dragon Run have a great cover, but it also was a great story.
Patrick Matthews has created a fun, exciting, action packed story that is full of relatable and realistic characters. Truly a book I’d recommend to anyone looking for a good read.
As mentioned Dragon Run is full of action. It has sword fights, daring escapes from killers, and fire breathing dragons. The story though is what really hooked me and kept me glued to the pages. Dragon Run is fast paced, explains itself, so reader’s are not left with gaping holes in the story, and just plain well written. I really enjoyed every page and couldn’t wait to see what happened next to Al, Trillia, Bird, and Wisp. This is book is great for readers of all ages.
Of course, what made Dragon Run such a great book in my opinion were the characters. Matthews does an amazing job creating a group of characters (especially the protagonist Al) who show real emotions in a way that readers will be able to commiserate with the lots fate has thrown at them. Not only that, but while these 12 year olds do make a big difference (they being the protagonists and all) it wasn’t completely out of the blue. The fulfilled plans that had been in place for generations. Al’s sword fighting ability was good, but not extraordinary, his escapes from a dungeon, the Cullers, and the magistrate were all because of the help of others. Basically what I’m saying is while Al does turn the tide, everything that takes place in the book makes sense and is realistic. Society is not changed forever because one boy decided to make it so in a matter of days. Even Al’s escape and exile lasted weeks on end, and none of it could have been achieved if not for the help of others. Further, none of the characters emotions are fake. Readers will be able to see the shift from shock, to acceptance, to anger, to resentment, to determination, and all of the changes will make sense.
All in all, Dragon Run is a fantastic book. I have no problem recommending it to anyone who enjoys fantasy or YA and can’t wait to read more books by Patrick Matthews, especially if it includes further adventures with Al, Trillia, Wisp, and Bird.
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Patrick Matthews has created a fun, exciting, action packed story that is full of relatable and realistic characters. Truly a book I’d recommend to anyone looking for a good read.
As mentioned Dragon Run is full of action. It has sword fights, daring escapes from killers, and fire breathing dragons. The story though is what really hooked me and kept me glued to the pages. Dragon Run is fast paced, explains itself, so reader’s are not left with gaping holes in the story, and just plain well written. I really enjoyed every page and couldn’t wait to see what happened next to Al, Trillia, Bird, and Wisp. This is book is great for readers of all ages.
Of course, what made Dragon Run such a great book in my opinion were the characters. Matthews does an amazing job creating a group of characters (especially the protagonist Al) who show real emotions in a way that readers will be able to commiserate with the lots fate has thrown at them. Not only that, but while these 12 year olds do make a big difference (they being the protagonists and all) it wasn’t completely out of the blue. The fulfilled plans that had been in place for generations. Al’s sword fighting ability was good, but not extraordinary, his escapes from a dungeon, the Cullers, and the magistrate were all because of the help of others. Basically what I’m saying is while Al does turn the tide, everything that takes place in the book makes sense and is realistic. Society is not changed forever because one boy decided to make it so in a matter of days. Even Al’s escape and exile lasted weeks on end, and none of it could have been achieved if not for the help of others. Further, none of the characters emotions are fake. Readers will be able to see the shift from shock, to acceptance, to anger, to resentment, to determination, and all of the changes will make sense.
All in all, Dragon Run is a fantastic book. I have no problem recommending it to anyone who enjoys fantasy or YA and can’t wait to read more books by Patrick Matthews, especially if it includes further adventures with Al, Trillia, Wisp, and Bird.
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May 15, 2025
this was one of Kyle's favorite books as a kid and it was so fun to read it. cool & creative plot!
October 23, 2012
(Review of an Advanced Reader Copy, so basing this on things that may change by the final print) Okay . . . so this lands at about a 3.5 for me. Which is pretty amazing considering I was ready not to be won over at all by a "dragon" book. A lot of the plot elements in here are not particularly new: a society living under dragon overlords are all ranked on their testing day--and that rank will define their place in the world. Al is a young man who expects and hopes to get a high rank number . . . and winds up a zero. Al didn't even know zero was a rank, now he's on the run and about to discover the truth about his world.
This sort of plot has been covered again and again. It doesn't make it a bad one. Patrick Matthews manages to spin off a fairly fun and fresh take on this. Plenty of action and adventure along with magic . . . and, yes, dragons. Now I have some issues with parts of the writing especially towards the end. The climax scenes of the book are pulled off at nearly the last few pages, and wind up being quite abrupt. I felt like the last few chapters should have been a bit longer on the wrap up, instead of tying everything up in a few paragraphs.
Still, this book has a lot to recommend it for young fantasy readers. My favorite part about it is that our young hero, despite his ranking remains a capable and "powerful" hero. He's not the youngster starting out wide-eyed and fearful with no skills to keep himself safe. He knows how to fight and how to survive, and makes every effort to do so.
I think a lot of the young fantasy readers I know will enjoy this.
This sort of plot has been covered again and again. It doesn't make it a bad one. Patrick Matthews manages to spin off a fairly fun and fresh take on this. Plenty of action and adventure along with magic . . . and, yes, dragons. Now I have some issues with parts of the writing especially towards the end. The climax scenes of the book are pulled off at nearly the last few pages, and wind up being quite abrupt. I felt like the last few chapters should have been a bit longer on the wrap up, instead of tying everything up in a few paragraphs.
Still, this book has a lot to recommend it for young fantasy readers. My favorite part about it is that our young hero, despite his ranking remains a capable and "powerful" hero. He's not the youngster starting out wide-eyed and fearful with no skills to keep himself safe. He knows how to fight and how to survive, and makes every effort to do so.
I think a lot of the young fantasy readers I know will enjoy this.
Read
February 19, 2013First time book author, Patrick Matthews, has created a wonderful, believable, couldn't-put-it-down story. My only 'complaint' is that I wanted more explanation about everything! But for the average intermediate student it is just right. Characters were real and other races that inhabit this world are creative and multi-dimensional. I really, really hope there will be a sequel. The two small bits of girl-interested-in-unsuspecting-boy are easily read over and so boys, as well as girls, will be putting themselves in this ordinary-boy-turned-hero fantasy. Give this to Harry Potter fans still looking for magic in their life. Grades 3-7. For more, visit the book's website: http://www.dragon-run.com/magic.htm.
September 27, 2019
Very good story for readers Grades 4 and up and adults who enjoy a light simple fantasy that isn't just bashing swords. The dragons are invincible, bad, and and must be overcome. Young Al must face and overcome them and the evil world they have created. Al is constantly hunted by their evil allies and must fight and run to survive. How he does is a story on courage, doing what is right, and relying on friends and the bravery of others.
It's difficult to find a quality book in the wide open internet author field, which make this book more enjoyable.
It's difficult to find a quality book in the wide open internet author field, which make this book more enjoyable.
February 9, 2017
i love how in the sunken city some thing rubbed against his leg and he freaked out it was such a funny twist and the suspsense in it was amazing i read it because it was awesome i love it please make a second book.
March 22, 2019
It's hard enough to fail a test in real-life, but now I have to read about it in my escapist fantasy literature?
Read
February 23, 2017It is surprising long. It is an AMAZING adventure story with so much action and an extremely well developed plot. The magical world inside the book is also amazing. I couldn't stop reading it.
March 28, 2014
The first 75% of this book was so completely pointless, it almost made me want to stop reading it. Okay okay, we got it in the first chapter that zeros are bad and that the Cullers are going to kill not only Al, but his entire family as well.
But this book took its damned sweet time in actually getting to the point after the initial set-up. Most of the book after Al was ranked was just him running around and... um... not dying? Yeah, okay. I don't really want to read a book about that.
But once the actual reasoning behind the rankings was explained and all of the nonsense with the dragons, too, it stopped being something that I wanted to put down and never pick up again. It just baffles me why a book would take 3/4 of the entire time to actually get to the point, and then everything just sort of ends.
Maybe I would have enjoyed this better if I'd been the intended age demographic (10-12 or so). And maybe if the first half of the book hadn't reminded me of that pretentious communism book, Anthem, that I had to read in high school.
But this book took its damned sweet time in actually getting to the point after the initial set-up. Most of the book after Al was ranked was just him running around and... um... not dying? Yeah, okay. I don't really want to read a book about that.
But once the actual reasoning behind the rankings was explained and all of the nonsense with the dragons, too, it stopped being something that I wanted to put down and never pick up again. It just baffles me why a book would take 3/4 of the entire time to actually get to the point, and then everything just sort of ends.
Maybe I would have enjoyed this better if I'd been the intended age demographic (10-12 or so). And maybe if the first half of the book hadn't reminded me of that pretentious communism book, Anthem, that I had to read in high school.
February 16, 2013
This was definitely not one of those books that I was sad to finish reading. In fact, I skimmed the last 70 pages or so, and really, I still got what I needed from the story. This isn't a bad book, but it is underdeveloped. It focuses a lot on plot and setting, with very little character development or background. I just didn't care about the main character - Al. The setting is really intriguing - fantastical kingdom ruled by dragons where everyone is ranked from 0-7 at the age of twelve. But the author never really digs in any deeper to the back story or uses any kind of description to give me the depth of information that I wanted about the setting. Just a two, and now I can move on to better reads.
April 18, 2013
Fun and unpredictable-I liked this world a lot! The best thing you can do for booktalking this is give no description-I loved getting to be surprised because I had NO IDEA what the book jacket said. Easier said than done, I know, but the results are worth it.
May 11, 2013
I know Pat Matthews as an inspired board game designer, so could not wait to read his book as well. It did not disappoint - read it in 2 sittings! Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a good story to get lost in. :)
Read
April 20, 2015They got the better of the Dragons, and I'm glad it was easy for them. On the part of the Dragons, I thought they could be more cunning than that. It seems like a fish story, but fact is stranger than fiction.
October 27, 2016
A short time ago I went on a library treasure hunt. My goal Dragons! Dragon Run was one such book, I have read a kindle in the past. It still held me as each page came forward and the enjoyment was the same as the first time. From zero to hero with two close friend mixing it up.
February 10, 2013
Wonderful page turner, it keeps you interested from 1st page to the last. Very enjoyable MG type tale.
Read
March 1, 2013My 10 year old sped through this book and really enjoyed it. I'll try to get him to write an actual review soon.
March 9, 2013
It was fun, fast paced, and enjoyable. Kids would love it. And it certainly was an interesting twist on the old story where a nobody is the only one who can change the world for the better.
January 21, 2014
This is quite the fast-paced, action-packed fantasy. And it has everything from dragons to magical tattoos. Also pretty insightful about rank and social positioning within society.
July 3, 2020
A fast-paced fantasy debut by the author is a book loved by everyone. If you want to get your teenager into reading or you want to enjoy some fantasy yourself, this book is perfect.
My little brother fell in love with it once he knew it was a twelve year old kid's story filled with mystery, dragons, magic, action and adventure.
Al Pilgrommor, all his life knew that dragons are masters of humanity. They are our creators, our teachers, and our protectors.
it begins on the day he and his friends are meant to attend their ‘Testing.’ In their world, this is a moment where they are assigned a numerical value based on their ability to absorb ‘life potenta’ that generally ranges from a one on upward. Al, however, finds himself rated as a zero.
People help him escape the death sentence and that leaves a young boy alone in the world to fight for himself. What will he do?
Will he be able to prove himself and defeat the true enemy?
This book is so absorbing that you will enjoy it thoroughly. The language is easy to understand the the plot is fluid with all the suspenses and twists at the right places to keep the reader engrossed throughout.
The book’s cover and title are misleadingly juvenile and I’m afraid that they will keep people from giving this book a chance.
This book is the best pick for people looking for a fun break from all the stress of the adult world.
My little brother fell in love with it once he knew it was a twelve year old kid's story filled with mystery, dragons, magic, action and adventure.
Al Pilgrommor, all his life knew that dragons are masters of humanity. They are our creators, our teachers, and our protectors.
it begins on the day he and his friends are meant to attend their ‘Testing.’ In their world, this is a moment where they are assigned a numerical value based on their ability to absorb ‘life potenta’ that generally ranges from a one on upward. Al, however, finds himself rated as a zero.
People help him escape the death sentence and that leaves a young boy alone in the world to fight for himself. What will he do?
Will he be able to prove himself and defeat the true enemy?
This book is so absorbing that you will enjoy it thoroughly. The language is easy to understand the the plot is fluid with all the suspenses and twists at the right places to keep the reader engrossed throughout.
The book’s cover and title are misleadingly juvenile and I’m afraid that they will keep people from giving this book a chance.
This book is the best pick for people looking for a fun break from all the stress of the adult world.
Read
October 24, 2018Dragon Run is a very good book due to the magical aspect. I enjoyed reading this book because of how the unexpected twists and turns created a lot suspense and made me extremely anxious. The book also gave me an in depth look at every characters past which allowed me better understand each characters decisions and why they made them. During the part about the war I it made me nervous which to me meant that the author put a lot of effort into their writing. In the book they used a lot of magical elements which were described so vividly that you could form imagery. This book is also a great example of fantasy fiction. when the army got locked in the rocks and Al pushed away an extremely large boulder was my favorite part because I had been waiting for him to gain powers throughout the entire story. overall this is a very good book when it comes to the fantasy element of it. This book is a good read for anybody of any age. I am really looking forward to finding out if there is going to be a sequel. If there is a sequel i hope it focuses on how Al uses his powers to help others and bring the town back to its thriving days when the magisters where in control. As a result of all of these factors I completely recommend this book for a fun read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2018
I don't regularly seek out dragon stories, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one. It has elements of a dystopian novel except that dragons are in charge.
Everyone who turns 12 is subjected to a test that filters them into a caste system. Al comes from one of the higher castes, but gets branded a ZERO. Many people didn't even know there was a caste lower than a One. He is then shot into survival mode. The society has "cullers," who seek out and cull zeros and their families for the good of the society. Al is hiding from the cullers and trying to find food and survive in the meantime. No one will hire or house a Zero, so he is basically homeless and forced to forage. Luckily, he comes upon some people who lend a helping hand (much due to his excellent work ethic).
About 1/3 of the way through, we get inklings of conspiracy and the action heats up. While the novel leaves a few loose ends, I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Everyone who turns 12 is subjected to a test that filters them into a caste system. Al comes from one of the higher castes, but gets branded a ZERO. Many people didn't even know there was a caste lower than a One. He is then shot into survival mode. The society has "cullers," who seek out and cull zeros and their families for the good of the society. Al is hiding from the cullers and trying to find food and survive in the meantime. No one will hire or house a Zero, so he is basically homeless and forced to forage. Luckily, he comes upon some people who lend a helping hand (much due to his excellent work ethic).
About 1/3 of the way through, we get inklings of conspiracy and the action heats up. While the novel leaves a few loose ends, I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable.
October 25, 2018
Interesting premise. All 12 year olds get tested and rated. Your future depends on your rating. Al gets the worst rating of all- a zero- and he is now on the run b/c the 'herd' cullers want to eliminate all useless humans AND their immediate family. Dragons are the creators of the human race and they live to work for the dragons.
Now Al has to re-create a life for himself against all odds. With no job, not much money and nobody wanting to hire a zero and a death price on his head Al is down about as low as it gets. Every time he tries to get out of his impossible life he is thwarted, once by his former best friend! But then he is asked to help save his people and he learns the truth about the rating system and what being a zero really means.
you can see the 'hero's journey' played out in this novel.
Now Al has to re-create a life for himself against all odds. With no job, not much money and nobody wanting to hire a zero and a death price on his head Al is down about as low as it gets. Every time he tries to get out of his impossible life he is thwarted, once by his former best friend! But then he is asked to help save his people and he learns the truth about the rating system and what being a zero really means.
you can see the 'hero's journey' played out in this novel.
August 16, 2019
Not bad, suffered from some lag in the middle and I would have liked to learn more about/interact more with the dragons and Magisters (dragons rule this world but only really make an appearance in the last quarter of the book! And Magisters are their right-hand men, so if we weren't getting dragons we should have at least gotten more Magister contact). It was a bit annoying to see the old 'kid with 3 months of sword lessons besting adult professionals with years of active experience' thing rear its implausible head, but at least this didn't happen every few pages. If this story was retold in an adult mode, with more depth and more development of the world and the antagonists, even if it took a couple of volumes to properly tell, I would really enjoy it. As it is, it's an entertaining standalone fantasy for tweens or younger teens who want an adventure without committing to a series.
August 29, 2022
What is this book about? (write 1-2 sentences)
the book is about a boy who gets ranked 0 which has never happened before and is the lowest rank. o there are a lot of challenges he has to face.
What is your favourite part of the story and why? (write 1-2 sentences)
my favorite part is when he gets ranked because i just know whats gonna happen.
Who is your favourite character and why? (write 1-2 sentences)
A1 because hes the main character
What is a lesson or a fact that you learned from this book? (write 1-2 sentences)
that no matter who you are you should always do your best
Give your review out of 5 stars
4
July 11, 2023
Dragon run was such a fun story! The world building was neat and I loved all the characters. I've read this one a few times and just recently learned that there is a second book! I hope to read that soon, because while the ending of this one is good, it felt like it ended a little suddenly. So, I'm excited to see how the story continues. Al is a great character, he's clever and resourceful, and I feel like the conflict between him and his friend is very realistic. It's not everyone's cup of tea and it is a little repetitive. But it is, after all, a children's book. And I certainly still enjoyed it.
December 12, 2016
The first half of the book made me feel so sad. I'm a Mom of a 10 year old that loves the dragon series "Wings of Fire," so I wanted to bond with him over a new book. But, after the first half, things pick up for our hero, and then I couldn't stop reading it. Now, my son is reading it and he is the first half saying, "this is so sad..." I tell him, it gets better. I would assure young readers, with these words "...he gets friends again, he changes his rank, he saves everybody, he gets shown love by Bull and Bird...Wisp apologizes." Hang in there...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2018
My story dragon run is a voyage and return. Al the main character is ready for testing day where a number decides his life. The higher the number the better your life. Al's parent had good numbers so when he is given zero the lowest number and one that has not appeared in centuries. He must run. Everywhere he is hunted by special forces made to find him. They sense his mark of a zero wherever he is. But he gets captured by a different group which takes him to a mountain for training. He realizes that he isn’t the only zero so he trains then comes back to fight. Alexei Katsuyama Book=Finished
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2018
Dragon Run was very well written. It had a unique story with a fast pace adventure. I never wanted to put the book down. Being that said, the title totally threw me off. It's obvious that Dragon Run was to catch dragon enthusiasts readers. But be warned - you will be disappointed. Dragons are mentioned throughout the book, but not the main characters until the last chapters. I expected more dragon action just because of the title. Dragon fans will be let down by the lack of dragon characters in the book.
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