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The Imagination Station #11
Hunt for the Devil's Dragon
If you're brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it's a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice--a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon. Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius's plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene--the dragon isn't its worst enemy.
144 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2013
32 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Hering
98 books39 followersMarianne Hering is a prolific writer, having written hundreds of articles and a number of books for children and parents. For nine years she worked for several magazines in Focus on the Family’s periodicals department and became the editor of Clubhouse, a Focus on the Family children’s magazine with a circulation of more than 100,000.
As a book developer for Focus on the Family, she and coauthor / creative director Paul McCusker launched the Adventures in Odyssey book series The Imagination Station in 2010. Currently the series includes 19 books, with two more contracted for 2017 release. Paul bowed out of his role in 2015 to pursue other creative avenues. The combined sales are more than 450,000.
Currently Marianne is a freelance writer taking assignments. She and her husband live in Colorado with their twin sons.
As a book developer for Focus on the Family, she and coauthor / creative director Paul McCusker launched the Adventures in Odyssey book series The Imagination Station in 2010. Currently the series includes 19 books, with two more contracted for 2017 release. Paul bowed out of his role in 2015 to pursue other creative avenues. The combined sales are more than 450,000.
Currently Marianne is a freelance writer taking assignments. She and her husband live in Colorado with their twin sons.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 7, 2014
Updated Adventures in Odyssey book for young children teaches a good lesson (but with a misleading title)
As this is the first Imagination Station book I read, I was surprised - I expected the storyline to be slightly more advanced. (I'm used to the Adventures in Odyssey and Imagination Station from 15+ years ago. The characters & illustration style are different from then! This makes sense, I just didn't think about that before picking up the book.) Instead, you have a pretty basic story filled with basic language aimed at young elementary school children. The book teaches children to stand up for what is right, and not be afraid of bullies, which is certainly a useful lesson. Given the large illustrations & large type, the book is even smaller than it appears - which is pretty thin - and provides a very easy read.
Because of the lack of depth to the book, my inclination is to give it 3 stars, however, keeping in mind it's intended audience of young children improves the rating by a star. Goodreads doesn't have half stars, or I'd knock it down to 3.5 stars for a misleading title - the "Devil's" part of "Devil's Dragon" is irrelevant to and completely missing from the story. "Hunt for the Dragon" would be a more accurate, but not as catchy, title.
As this is the first Imagination Station book I read, I was surprised - I expected the storyline to be slightly more advanced. (I'm used to the Adventures in Odyssey and Imagination Station from 15+ years ago. The characters & illustration style are different from then! This makes sense, I just didn't think about that before picking up the book.) Instead, you have a pretty basic story filled with basic language aimed at young elementary school children. The book teaches children to stand up for what is right, and not be afraid of bullies, which is certainly a useful lesson. Given the large illustrations & large type, the book is even smaller than it appears - which is pretty thin - and provides a very easy read.
Because of the lack of depth to the book, my inclination is to give it 3 stars, however, keeping in mind it's intended audience of young children improves the rating by a star. Goodreads doesn't have half stars, or I'd knock it down to 3.5 stars for a misleading title - the "Devil's" part of "Devil's Dragon" is irrelevant to and completely missing from the story. "Hunt for the Dragon" would be a more accurate, but not as catchy, title.
May 12, 2013
A short fun adventure from the 13th century In Leptis Magna Libya. Yes our heroines' do find a dragon and get a few scales.
October 26, 2013
this is a goodbook.stephanie curry.john:3;16;thankyou.curry.j.3.16.
September 1, 2014
I enjoyed this books. It didn't have the same historical ties in this story as in previous books but it was still very interesting. My son was thrilled that there was a dragon in the story!
September 2, 2015
Read aloud to Emma and Will. This one felt a little disjointed to me, and I think the weak plot highlights that the writing is not super high quality. Still, a good series for my kids.
March 28, 2018
Patrick and Beth go back in time to Libya. There, they meet Hazi and Sabra. They hear that a beast is eating animals. The people of Hazi and Sabra's town believe it's a dragon. They think they have to offer human sacrifices to appease it. They tie Sabra and Beth up in front if its cave.
Meanwhile, Patrick and Hazi join a Roman knight named Georgius to kill the dragon. While Beth and Sabra are tied up, they realize that the dragon isn't their worst enemy.
This book was pretty good. I liked it a lot.
Meanwhile, Patrick and Hazi join a Roman knight named Georgius to kill the dragon. While Beth and Sabra are tied up, they realize that the dragon isn't their worst enemy.
This book was pretty good. I liked it a lot.
September 13, 2018
Writen by Marianne Hering and, one of my favorite authors, Wayne Thomas Batson, Beth and Patrick go on another adventurous journey into the past in the Imagination Station learning about standing up for what is right, leaning on God, and what a dragon truly looks like and what it really means to defeat one.
January 14, 2021
This was one of my least favorite in the series so far. I prefer the books that tell historical events.
August 6, 2021
Turtle is re-reading series: great! Return to library.
October 20, 2025
Difficult for me because it's too juvenile. But good story. Important for children.
October 28, 2025
Good book!
Fast paced, exciting, good moral!
A dragon fights a saber tooth cat.
Uncomfortable:
1. He opened a crate and took out two brown pieces of cloth. "Let's play slaves-and-masters," he said. "You can pretend to be slaves. Sabra and I will be your masters."
Beth looked at the men in rags. "I'm not sure I like the sound of that game," Beth said. “Slavery isn't a game."
"What about hide-and-seek?”
2. Lucius said, "I don't care what you believe, Georgius! These children came to port illegally. Tarek must pay the taxes! They must go to the stocks. Later they will be sold as slaves."
"Then I'll pay their tax," Georgius said.
Fast paced, exciting, good moral!
A dragon fights a saber tooth cat.
Uncomfortable:
1. He opened a crate and took out two brown pieces of cloth. "Let's play slaves-and-masters," he said. "You can pretend to be slaves. Sabra and I will be your masters."
Beth looked at the men in rags. "I'm not sure I like the sound of that game," Beth said. “Slavery isn't a game."
"What about hide-and-seek?”
2. Lucius said, "I don't care what you believe, Georgius! These children came to port illegally. Tarek must pay the taxes! They must go to the stocks. Later they will be sold as slaves."
"Then I'll pay their tax," Georgius said.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2013
About the Book:
If you’re brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it’s a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice—a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon.
Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius’s plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene—the dragon isn’t its worst enemy.
About the Authors:
Wayne Thomas Batson lives in Eldersburg with his beautiful wife of eleven years and his four wonderful young children. Besides dividing his time between family, teaching, and writing, he likes to read, golf, play PS2, travel to the beach, play electric guitar, and create 3D artwork.
My Review:
I have been waiting to get my hands on a book from this series for a good while now. So excited to share this book with you all! If you know anything about the Adventures in Odyssey brand you know it is a great way to teach the children of today good, sound morals. I love how the older Whit is always trying to show the children how you need to have courage and rely on God especially during times of trouble. This book is no different than the rest of the series in that it shows Beth that sometimes the most popular choice probably isn't to stand up for what is right.But never the less we still need to defend "good" in all we do.
In Hunt for the Devil's Dragon Beth is faced with a difficult decision when someone at school is accused of doing something that they both know didn't happen. But Beth doesn't come to her friends rescue and she is feeling pretty bad about it. So Whit takes that opportunity to show Beth and Patrick that even though we are afraid sometimes it doesn't mean we are cowards. He decides show them a real dragon.
It is an amazing story and one that my boys enjoyed. If you are interested in learning more about this book you can do so here.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me at no charge for my honest review from Tyndale.
If you’re brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it’s a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice—a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon.
Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius’s plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene—the dragon isn’t its worst enemy.
About the Authors:
Wayne Thomas Batson lives in Eldersburg with his beautiful wife of eleven years and his four wonderful young children. Besides dividing his time between family, teaching, and writing, he likes to read, golf, play PS2, travel to the beach, play electric guitar, and create 3D artwork.
My Review:
I have been waiting to get my hands on a book from this series for a good while now. So excited to share this book with you all! If you know anything about the Adventures in Odyssey brand you know it is a great way to teach the children of today good, sound morals. I love how the older Whit is always trying to show the children how you need to have courage and rely on God especially during times of trouble. This book is no different than the rest of the series in that it shows Beth that sometimes the most popular choice probably isn't to stand up for what is right.But never the less we still need to defend "good" in all we do.
In Hunt for the Devil's Dragon Beth is faced with a difficult decision when someone at school is accused of doing something that they both know didn't happen. But Beth doesn't come to her friends rescue and she is feeling pretty bad about it. So Whit takes that opportunity to show Beth and Patrick that even though we are afraid sometimes it doesn't mean we are cowards. He decides show them a real dragon.
It is an amazing story and one that my boys enjoyed. If you are interested in learning more about this book you can do so here.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me at no charge for my honest review from Tyndale.
June 10, 2013
If you have ever watched the Focus on the Family Adventures in Odyssey videos, you will be anxious to read this wonderful story. While the book is designed for middle elementary age children, readers old and young will find the book filled with mystery, adventure and wonderful character lessons. The story tells of cousins Beth and Patrick who go on a trip through the Imagination Station and find themselves transported to the 13th century town of Libya with its knights, maidens and dragons. The cousins soon become friends with a girl named Sabra and boy named Hazi. The four are swept into an adventure, along with the noble knight Georgius, that they would have never dreamed possible as they face the prospect of being eaten by a ferocious fire-breathing dragon, or was the dragon the real danger all along?
Read to find out how this Imagination Station adventure ends and what wonderful life lessons are taught about standing up for truth and right. I can highly recommend this book to be read by children or to be read aloud to children. I would recommend getting every book in the series. The adventures are captivating and the character lessons taught are priceless. (reviewed by J.La Tour)
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary review copy was provided to facilitate our honest review by Tyndale Blog Network on behalf of Focus on the Family, Tyndale House Publishers, and the authors. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.
Read to find out how this Imagination Station adventure ends and what wonderful life lessons are taught about standing up for truth and right. I can highly recommend this book to be read by children or to be read aloud to children. I would recommend getting every book in the series. The adventures are captivating and the character lessons taught are priceless. (reviewed by J.La Tour)
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary review copy was provided to facilitate our honest review by Tyndale Blog Network on behalf of Focus on the Family, Tyndale House Publishers, and the authors. Opinions expressed are solely those of the reviewer.
May 10, 2013
I have really enjoyed The Imagination Station series thus far. Hunt for the Devil's Dragon is the eleventh book in the set, and in it Beth and Patrick meet up with two creatures they have only ever read about in books. This book's historical context is perplexing to me. The back cover says that the story is set in the 13th century but the narrative is an adaptation of St. George the dragon slayer which took place a thousand years earlier. I tend to believe that the back cover blurb is incorrect. One thing that I have enjoyed about this series is the varied historical times that the cousins travel to. While this book may be one of the most exciting books in the series, I am left wondering how accurate it is. Were there really fire breathing dragons in that day? This story makes for a very exciting read, and I'm sure that young readers will love this adventure with Beth and Patrick.
I recommend this book to young readers of faith-based fiction and fans of Adventures in Odyssey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.
I recommend this book to young readers of faith-based fiction and fans of Adventures in Odyssey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.
April 30, 2013
The Imagination Station series, which falls along the lines of Magic Tree House and Secrets of Droon books, takes finds a nice balance between focusing on Bible accounts and stories of the Christian faith. This time the time-traveling cousin duo of Beth and Patrick encounter first hand the tale of Saint George and the Dragon, which has many sources and variations. Here's how this one plays out (with minimal spoilers).
Beth feels regret for chickening out in the face of a bully picking on her friend. Mr. Whit sends her to ancient Africa with Patrick to witness the courage of Saint George, a newly converted Christian who stands up for the rights of peasants under the rule of the Roman forces. And to keep everyone's interest throughout the story, there are dragons and other fantastical creatures. Through it all, Beth (along with Patrick and the readers) learns the intended lesson.
- from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (4/30/13)
Beth feels regret for chickening out in the face of a bully picking on her friend. Mr. Whit sends her to ancient Africa with Patrick to witness the courage of Saint George, a newly converted Christian who stands up for the rights of peasants under the rule of the Roman forces. And to keep everyone's interest throughout the story, there are dragons and other fantastical creatures. Through it all, Beth (along with Patrick and the readers) learns the intended lesson.
- from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw (4/30/13)
May 1, 2013
I received a free copy of this book to review from the Tyndale Blog Network. All opinions are my own.
Adventures in Odyssey is back with an all new The Imagination Station installment. Book 11 is Hunt for the Devil's Dragon. My 8 yr old DD lvoes this series. This one was no exception.
Cousins Beth and Patrick are back with an all new adventure. This time they are going back in time to learn how to deal with present day bullies. The Imagination Station takes them back to a time of Roman soldiers, merchants, and dragons! Will they stand up for their new friends and their beliefs? What will happen to the dragon? Are the Roman soldiers friends or foes?
Your age 7 and up young readers will be so intrigued by these books. My 6 yr DS hopes to start reading them soon. The stories are adventurous and they are all told from a Biblical perspective. These history trips will relate to struggles and situations they may be facing today.
Adventures in Odyssey is back with an all new The Imagination Station installment. Book 11 is Hunt for the Devil's Dragon. My 8 yr old DD lvoes this series. This one was no exception.
Cousins Beth and Patrick are back with an all new adventure. This time they are going back in time to learn how to deal with present day bullies. The Imagination Station takes them back to a time of Roman soldiers, merchants, and dragons! Will they stand up for their new friends and their beliefs? What will happen to the dragon? Are the Roman soldiers friends or foes?
Your age 7 and up young readers will be so intrigued by these books. My 6 yr DS hopes to start reading them soon. The stories are adventurous and they are all told from a Biblical perspective. These history trips will relate to struggles and situations they may be facing today.
April 28, 2016
This book was not as interesting as others in the series but I'm sure young boys would love it. This adventure takes Patrick and Beth to Libya where is conflict and debate about Christos (Jesus) and panic because of a dragon. The kids end up right in the middle of things as usual and end up coming face to face with the creature that has been harming livestock, no it's not the dragon!
Little do they realize that there really is a dragon who breathes fire and they end up in it's cave with no way out.
This is an action packed adventure tied in with a bit of history. At the end of the book there is a page that talks about the fact that dragons really didn't exist for sure that we know of and didn't breathe fire. Though there were dinosaurs which could have been like a type of dragon.
This is still a fun book just not my favorite out of this series.
Little do they realize that there really is a dragon who breathes fire and they end up in it's cave with no way out.
This is an action packed adventure tied in with a bit of history. At the end of the book there is a page that talks about the fact that dragons really didn't exist for sure that we know of and didn't breathe fire. Though there were dinosaurs which could have been like a type of dragon.
This is still a fun book just not my favorite out of this series.
July 17, 2014
In the Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon, the cousins Beth and Patrick journey to Libya during the 13th century where they discover that a small town is in danger: something is eating all their livestock and they believe it is an evil dragon being used by the devil. When the townspeople decide to offer a human sacrifice in an attempt to appease the dragon, Beth steps in and tries to rescue the girl, Sabra. However, Beth is caught and tied up as an additional sacrifice to the dragon. Patrick, however, meets Hazi and a Roman knight named Georgius and when Georgius hears of the dragon, he decides to hunt and kill the dragon. Will Beth and Sabra be rescued before they become dragon snacks? Will Georgius, Patrick, and Hazi find the dragon? Will Georgius be successful and slay the dragon?
August 4, 2014
When Beth shows up at Whit’s End upset over her friend Rachel being accused of cheating during a math test when she obviously didn’t, Whit wanted to know why she was upset over a lie. Beth said she was afraid. So Whit sent Beth and her friend Patrick on an Imagination Station adventure. They end up in Libya where they meet Hazi and Sabra and their father Tarek. When they head home in Tarek’s wagon, a servant rushes up with news that a young shepherd was taken by a dragon. The village people want sacrifices and have chosen a girl. When Tarek orders them to let her go, the villagers seize his daughter Sabra. Will the dragon eat Sabra? Who will rescue the girls? The cousins learn the importance of standing up for truth in this exciting adventure!
April 28, 2013
We just finished reading this one. I read it to the kids (5 and 8). My son especially did not want to quit or put it down til we finished. He loves dragons and other similar creatures so he was fascinated with this story. Patrick and Beth take a trip in the imagination station to a time when Roman soldiers were present, dragons, and other beasts. A village is being attacked by a vicious animal, supposedly a dragon, but is it really? Read and find out! This book is probably written on a second grade reading level, so a younger child could read it himself.
*I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.*
*I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.*
June 3, 2014
This book was one of the best we've read in the Imagination Station series. It was so incredibly good! My kiddos are fascinated by dragons and dinosaurs, and this definitely proved to hold their interest. Besides that, the historical undertones were enough to grow their steadily increasing love for history (makes a history loving mama proud!)
June 28, 2014
Although the title doesn't make much sense (I read about a dragon, but not about a "devil's dragon) and I would have preferred a title along the lines of Sir George and the Dragon, this is a good, fast-paced book with a moral. Kids can learn to stand up for right even in tough situations, to befriend & be kind to enemies, and to pray & trust God often. A good read.
June 29, 2014
Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon is the eleventh installment to the Imagination Station Series. Beth and Patrick go on yet another adventure that takes them back to the Roman times. It is full of action with a good lesson that young and old could learn from. This isn’t my favorite of the others from the series I have read but it is still good.
4 ½ stars
4 ½ stars
August 4, 2014
I love these Imagination Station books! In this one the cousins Patrick and Beth end up in 13th century Libya and learn about the Roman soldiers there, dragons, saber toothed tigers and standing up for those wronged. Great book!
October 18, 2018
The main character in my book, Beth changed from beginning to end by taking a risk. In the beginning of the story she was afraid to take risks. She yelled at the saber tooth cat even though it could have killed her just to save her friend. An example from this book is when she snuck her master out of prison (page 127). Another example of Beth taking a risk is when she told the soldier not to hurt the dragon because it was just protecting its baby (page 87). This shows that my character developed because she was willing take risks if her friends are in trouble. This also shows that my character is brave and courageous. In conclusion, my character changed because of Beth’s need to help her friend.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews