Dragon Shield

Ian's Realm Saga #2

by D.L. Gardner

Dragon Shield is now Book 2 of Ian's Realm Saga.
AISN: B01HHOM1XU
ISBN: 978-0692976128

Part 1. Deception Peak
Ian's Realm Saga, is a young adult adventure fantasy about a teenager, Ian Wilson, who follows his father, Alex, through a portal that magically appears on their computer screen while they are creating a game engine. They travel into a deceptively beautiful Realm, where horses run wild, the wind sings prophetic melodies, and their computer avatar (Xylon) comes to life. But when the two are separated, Ian is abducted by a tribe of dragon worshipers. In his struggle to be released, he causes chaos in the village and is banished into the wilderness with two other residents. They come upon a group of people who live for the sole purpose to destroy the dragon. They agree to help Ian find his father deep in the caves of the dragon's lair.
Alex is found, but not without sacrifice, causing a deepened relationship between Ian and the Kaempern leader, Amleth.
Alex and Ian ride for the portal home with the dragon at their heels. Alex, his father stops in his tracks and goes back with the intent to slay the dragon, sending his son to the portal to wait for him with the instructions that if he doesn't return by morning, go home without him. Alex never returns.
Part 2 Dragon Shield
Integrity isn't something you do, it's who you are," Aren tells the confused Ian in The Dragon Shield.
Now a young man, Ian returns to the magical Realm to fight against the tyranny that has befallen his friends. But the Realm is a different place, the forest is dying, the Kaemperns have lost the shield that protected them from the dragon, and Ian has a hard time proving his allegiance when trouble follows him through the portal. His struggle to do right buries him in confusion when he's confronted with a young boy who wields a powerful magical dagger which summons the dragon.
Part 3 Rubies and Robbers
"I will not let fear weaken us, not now" -says Ian as he dives into the cold waters of Moor Cove to find the escapees.
Ian has proven his abilities as a warrior and now the most dangerous battle begins, the battle against the power of evil. Ian must unravel the secrets of the mountain and discern whom his real enemy is, the enemy both without and within. He tackles with the twelve-year-old boy who seems to hold the fate of the entire Realm in his hands, and yet the pressing Songs of Wisdom call for compassion in his dealings. Ian leads his men in the fight against the powers of darkness. But he must also be willing to sacrifice everything he ever hoped to have in order to save those he loves.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Coming Of Age

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 26, 2013

About the author

With a passion for a good wholesome story, Gardner dives into the adult and young adult fantasy genres. She is both a best selling author and an award winning illustrator who lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Dabbling in screenwriting, she's won screenings and a trophy for some of her film projects.

She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.

D.L. Gardner is a columnist for the science fiction and fantasy publication Amazing Stories Magazine
http://amazingstoriesmag.com/2017/10/...

Librarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Dianne Lynn Gardner.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

They grow up too fast don’t they? At least, that’s what everyone says, and in Dianne Lynn Gardner’s Ian’s Realm trilogy, young Ian is certainly growing up—but he’s not full-grown. After all, heroes aren’t born, they’re nurtured with wisdom from mistakes, valor from battles, and kindness from pain. Ian learns all these lessons in this book as he steps forward to take his father’s place, and learns there’s a lot more to leading than just saying no to potential followers.

You could probably pick up the trilogy without reading book one, Deception Peak, though you’d be missing a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy novel if you did. But if you’re a forgetful reader, like me, you’ll be happily satisfied by how well author Dianne Lynn Gardner incorporates all the necessary information from Deception Peak into a thoroughly exciting first chapter of Dragon Shield. There’s plenty more satisfaction and excitement within this middle-grade readers’ novel too. It’s boy-friendly, with teen male protagonists who don’t understand what the girls are getting at. And it’s girl-friendly with a boy who has much to learn, a young woman waiting to help, and a small child’s innocence. Suddenly Ian’s back in his curious realm, swords and sorcery coming to life out of the computer screen, and there’s really no time to regret the mistakes that brought him there. The story’s exciting—it even has a dragon. It’s intriguing, with satisfying connections waiting to be discovered in the pages. It’s intelligent. And even the parents will approve (and enjoy) as wise lessons are illustrated and learned. Add beautiful writing, evocative descriptions, gorgeous scenery, cleverly plausible computer wizardly, and great fight scenes and there’s something for all of us.

Three years have passed since Deception Peak. Ian’s finishing high school. His father’s disappeared. Abbi is still his best friend and only confidante. And the neighbor’s children are learning entirely too much about Ian’s Realm. But can one angry young man really save anyone, least of all himself? And can a child kill dragons?

Told from Ian’s point of view, the writing switches from third person to first as readers listen to his internal monologue—and it really works. There’s a teen freshness about the voice that pulls the reader in, an honest awkwardness, a genuine sense of guilt and frustration, and a fascinating look at what it means and doesn’t mean to make mistakes and be a hero.

Of course, with the story moving so far so fast, the ending feel like a beginning and readers will finish this begging for more. I’m about to start reading book three. You'll want to too. Enjoy.

Disclosure: I was lucky enough to win an ecopy of this book.

[A. Spears · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dianne Lynn Gardner spins a lovely tale about Ian, a boy living with secrets, with lies that are about to come to a head. This book starts 3 years after the events in the first one, but the author kindly summarizes just enough that a new reader need not feel lost.

The author spins a good coming-of-age story with a young man who is trapped between two worlds, our reality and a strange one called The Realm accessed via a computer. He is also living a life trapped between the boy he was and the man he wants to become. The journey is not easy because growing up isn't easy.

The world of The Realm is lovely, strange, and dangerous. And worse, it is in trouble. Ian finds every step he takes seems to become harder and harder and leads him to see that even the good hearted and well-meaning soul can wind up in a quagmire regardless of their intentions. And part of growing up is facing problems and mistakes without flinching, no matter the price.

It is a lovely story, reminiscent of 1980's fantasy tales. The flavor is very traditional. Don't go in expecting werewolves and talking beasts. Expect humans being very human and learning a lot about themselves and life along the way.

[Herika Raymer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been three years since Ian Wilson returned from The Realm. A High School graduate, he now has a choice: begin a life of his own or go back to The Realm. He chooses the latter, and finds a place much changed - fouler, darker, a land at war. His reception to the Kaempearn city is not as warm as he hoped, for their treasure - The Dragon Shield - was stolen and his return is not without incident. As Ian remarks later, he does tend to have a knack for messing up.

Rejection, discovery, reunion, heartache, and having a new purpose - it seems that Ian must endure a roller coaster of emotions and experiences before his mind is finally focused and given direction.

Written with appeal to both Young Adults and Adults, it is this reader's opinion that this book appeals especially to the outsider in all of us. The part that thinks no one cares, that one cannot do anything right, and that it is better to wall up rather than to reach out. Whether it is wondering about the minor cracks in Daryl's cool demeanor, or raging with Ian when it seems that his best intentions result in terrible disasters, or even musing as Alex and Amreth do on what is the best course of action, there is something for everyone.

It is also curious about Daryl, who is constantly talking about bartering, but what is he really bartering for? Also, what could people from our world hope to gain by bringing weapons to The Realm. All of this hints to something more sinister than just the tyranny of the Dragon. It is this readers suspicion that the Prophecy will be fulfilled, but that is not the end of the story.

Not to mention, this reader especially likes how the portal between worlds shows how it affects both. From the effects on Ian's house, to what is infecting The Realm. This reader eagerly anticipates the conclusion of this story in the next novel!

[Pam Funke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

The Dragon Shield is the second book in Dianne Gardner's The Ian's Realm Saga. Having not read the first book in the series I felt lost during many parts of the book as it does not give you any information as to what happened previously. Before reading this book I definitely recommend that you read the first book in the series, Deception Peak. I am definitely going to have to read the first book in the series and then re-read this one.

Although, I wasn't quite sure what exactly was going on in the beginning, I was soon drawn into the story. It's a wonderful cross between Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. I liked the little no name being in the Realm, he has a lot of Dobby characteristics. He was a very unique character that could only come from a great imagination. Ian on the other hand, reminds me of a young Harry Potter. He's very charismatic. He's on a quest to find out what happened to his father in a world that's not of this earth.

Dianne's wonderfully descriptive writing style will have you so involved in the story that in a sense you will have forgotten that it was just a story. This is one of those books that you just can't seem to put down until you've turned the very last page. The book is very well written and enjoyable and I'm looking forward towards reading the entire series.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read great books! This is one that you will definitely enjoy.

[V.L. Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing book! Dragon Shield is a continuation of where Deception Peak left off in the Ian's Realm series. A roller coaster ride of emotions and adventure, Dragon Shield follows Ian as he goes back to the realm 3 years later against the wishes of his friend Abbi. What he finds in the realm is saddening. He must go back and set things right, join the war against the dragon and solve the mystery of why his father has been missing for 3 years.


As thrilling as Harry Potter in its adventure and mysticism, the Ian's Realm series is amazingly told and will captivate you and keep you on the edge of your seat even till the very end. Pick it up for your kids and then read it yourself. This is a story that will captivate young and old alike!

~Review written by: Virginia Lori Jennings
Author of 'The Alien Mind' &
'Visionary From The Stars'
This reviewer received an Advanced Reader Copy

[Curtis Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

good young person reader. Dianne creates vivid scenes and good emotional interactions with her chracters. It's a great fast paced book that complements Deception Peak and moves the series alone nicely.

[Kriss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and reviewed Deception Peak this fall and knew this mini epic adventure was going to be a huge hit. Dianne Gardner weaves a world of good and bad, light and dark, hope and despair. When we left Ian at the end of Deception Peak, he was an angry scared young man just beginning his career in high school. Now he is a headstrong independent 18 year-old who has a mind of his own.

With his father still lost in the Realm and Ian facing with a future facing two different directions. Struggling with all the questions a normal high school graduate faces, the loss of his father still left unanswered and the prophecy of Ian being the savior of the Realm, plus a dragon to face down... is Ian ready and mature enough to handle this all? Should he click the control and deal with the unfinished business in the Realm or should he pursue a career utilizing his artistic and graphic art talents.

As with the first in the series this book quickly drew me in and felt all the hurt, the frustration and confusion Ian felt. Dianne has a very poignant style of writing which allows you to lose yourself in the Realm along with Ian. I would love to see this adapted into a movie adventure! (I am sure Dianne would too, but seriously this is a wonderful story and I would love to see this on the big screen! I can see Ian on the back of Sparkle now, galloping through the grasslands and along the shore. It is a wonderful read! I loved how she is able to get not only into the head of a 18-year-old but also express the emotional responses of the father as well as the 18 year-old, Abbi whom he has lived with and is one of the only ones who knows his secret.

I recommend this for all your Harry Potter and fantasy adventures readers in your household. They will adore this series! It is an approved family read because the nature of the read is not only enjoyable to adults (hey I am a tough sell) but it deals with many issues and lessons that the middle age school child needs to learn. Issues such as honor, integrity respect and above all honesty. It also shows how loss can affect a child. As an adult it is good to see this perspective to help us understand and help them get through this. It is interesting to see from both Ian and his father's eyes see how children deal with situations and loss differently. This is the one thing that really makes this a five-star book, Dianne's ability to show so many different takes on things. It is pretty hard for a book to teach a lesson to both a child and an adult, and this one will. So grab it and read it with the child who is fighting dark elves and evil orcs in the backyard and share an adventure together!

[Tywyll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon Shield is an interesting read. I love the concept of being able to visit a fantasy realm through a computer!

I haven't read the first book, but I did find reading a sample from Smashwords helped to at least find out how the characters initially stumbled upon the Realm. Thankfully, the author skillfully weaves the events of the first book in. Thus, I was able to piece together things that had happened previously. When Ian spoke of how things used to be compared to the depressing events he now faced, I did wish I had first met the Realm in all previous glory. Instead of sunshine and beauty, I was introduced to the Realm as a storm brewed overhead. That being the case, it does set up the plot for the concluding showdown with the dragon and how serious the coming war will be.

I do wonder where the Realm is in comparison to ours. Does it really exist in a different dimension? Or it is really a computer game world? Regardless, the idea of "hackers" being a threat to the Realm is a brilliant concept. At least, that was the impression I got.

There are a few things I had issues with reading this. The foremost being that I don't understand why Ian waited 3 years to return to the Realm. He could have stayed alone in his house for a few days without anyone knowing his father was missing (at least until he ran out of food) and could have visited the Realm. He could even have taken the computer with him to Abbi's. I'm not sure if the location of the PC is a factor in the portal opening, but if it wasn't a requirement, the door would have probably just opened in a different part of the forest. He could have easily accessed it while Abbi's parents were away. In 3 years, there would have been plenty of opportunities for that. That, to me, is the biggest flaw in the book, which is what the entire plot is based after.
I dislike Ian calling Brad a "kid." He's only 3 years younger than you. There isn't that big of an age difference to justify the term, in my opinion. It feels like Ian does a lot of backtracking, retracing his steps in the Realm. Also the "climax" falls a bit flat and a bit short. It's over before it even begins. The ending drops off so suddenly, I kept clicking for the next page thinking there would be another chapter (which I guess could be viewed as a good thing, wanting to see what happened next.)

All in all, for a middle grade/young adult fantasy novel, it has potential. The author brings you into a fanciful world with its own races, lore, and customs. Younger reads will definitely enjoy it. 3.5 stars.

Note: I received a free copy from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Jonel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a unique mix of history, modernity, and fantasy. It creates a completely new and very intriguing world. This world is larger than life. Gardner writes in such a vivid manner that you cannot help but be drawn into this awesome world. She also writes in a very clear manner that allows you to immerse yourself in the storyline without having to wonder what she is really trying to say.

One thing that I really appreciate about this novel is that you can start reading this series with this novel, which is the second in the series, without being completely lost. Gardner gives you enough background information to know exactly what is going on and how this world works. It’s very nice to see an author who has the ability to do this. Although reading the entire series would give you further background information, she makes it possible to start here as well. She also leaves you well set up for the sequel without leaving you hanging.

All of the characters in this novel are quite well developed. Some of the characters in this novel are outright hilarious. You really feel like you know them. There is such a wide variety of characters in this novel that you can’t help but fall in love with at least some of them. The variety comes not only through personalities, but also via race/species. Each and every one is brought to light in a vivid way, helping to create a wonderful cast who brings you through this novel, always wanting more. That said, they also do not overpower the main character.

As a whole, this novel was extremely interesting and very intriguing. One cannot help but fall in love with this troubled world, wanting to continue journeying with the main characters to see how their lives turn out.

Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian Wilson knows all about The Realm. It's the last place he saw his father three years ago. Ian is haunted by his actions that required him to leave his father behind. Ian wanted to stay with his father but left with no choice but to leave because that's what his father wanted. Three years later, Ian only wants to find his father and do what he can for The Realm. Abbi doesn't want Ian to go back to The Realm. Abbi wants Ian to stay and work here going anywhere but The Realm. Ian can't stay here his need to find his father is so strong that he fights with Abbi about it. The Realm is nothing like Ian remembers. Everywhere Ian looks is devastation yet he has slim hope about his father. Ian meets mysterious youth that claims knowledge of his father. Will Ian find his father? Will Abbi accept his decision? Who is this mysterious youth? What does he want from Ian? What else has changed in The Realm? Your answers await you in The Dragon Shield.


I liked the story. I loved the differences between the two cultures! I loved watching Ian's character grow from beginning to the end of the book. Abbi seemed to be the only one Ian would listen too. I liked that at the heart of the story was about finding what was lost to the main character and how it changed his perceptions over time. I look forward to the next installment by this author.

[Brenda Perlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Integrity isn't just something you think about doing. Integrity is about who you are."

Until the dragon is killed and the portal is permanently shut there will not be peace in the Realm. Was it a mistake that Alex brought Ian there? That was a question that loomed in the air. The thought of losing his dad again terrified Ian. He didn't understand why his dad needed to be a hero when he needed him. There was only so much time before the whole forest was to be destroyed forever. Would Ian have it in him to save it all?

What touches me the most about these stories are the love of family, trust and loyalty. It tells a story about a boy that is not as lucky as some. Losing his mom at such an early age has an affect on a person. I like that this hard subject has been shared in such a real way. We all have to deal with loss at some point in our lives. These stories help to bring this subject and many other important life matters to the forefront. They also show that there is still light at the end of the tunnel.

"A laminating voice sang on the wind. He'd heard it before. Amarth called it the Songs of Wisdom. But Ian refused to listen. He didn't want to be comforted. Inhaling, he composed himself long enough to position the canoe, step into it, and paddle through the shallow waters. He was going home...alone."

[Breath of Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
WOW is the one word I will use to start this review. My first gut feeling and my last gut feeling is this is going to be and IS an AMAZING book! Then to know that it is not the last one is even more thrilling and awesome to say the least for me! I was totally entralled within the pages of Ian's story.


Want to read more of my review: Breath of Life

[Carol L. Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian is in trouble again, but he's older and a bit more mature. We see his courage take him to dangerous places. We also see Abby become more important in his life. He's after his father again as they were separated fighting the dragon. He also meets up with old friends to whom he has to prove himself. Each step is character growth for Ian. Well planned story.