With the witch defeated, the elves begin preparations to once again take up their vigil, guarding a black dragon from Crag named Zoltan. Merlin's last enchantment has kept the dragon asleep for centuries, but when Gabriel brings Hob along to inspect the dragon, the bumbling dwarf finds Merlin's staff and accidentally breaks the enchantment. Gabriel and Hob escape from the dragon into a cave that leads them into Kahzidar; the dreaded gnome mines, where they are captured by the mad gnome king Ringwald Stonebreaker. Ben, Casey, and their Grandma must join forces once again with Amos, the shape shifter, to save Camelot from the dragon that's bent on destroying it. But first, they must rescue their friends from Kahzidar!
This is the second adventure for Ben Alderman, his sister, and his grandmother in a world of elves, dwarfs, witches, wizards, gnomes, and, oh yes--fire-breathing dragons. I love the other-world fantasy created by the author,especially the unique cultures that set apart each mythical race. Newman's stories are fun and imaginative, perfect for young readers. My few complaints: While the conflict resolution was creative, it seemed too fast resolved. I expected more of a challenge--a battle with the dragon to show off the power and strength of this formidable enemy. It seemed he hardly made an appearance before his defeat. Also, the writing could use some professional editing, but I found it easy enough to overlook and enjoy the creativity of Mr. Newman's story. I'm curious as to what adventure now awaits young Ben Alderman.
I really enjoyed the characters in this series. It's easy to get caught up in the story as the plot flows smoothly and it has enough action to keep you wanting to read more. Looking forward to additional books to the series!
After reading the first book, I was quite convinced to finish the series. I loved how the whole story was plotted. The dwarves showed their consistent love for food. I think the way the author described different sceneries and views was a little confusing but that's not much of a drawbcack. Simply put, I liked the fantasy quite well.
This is book 2 in series. Book 1 is thirteenth unicorn. The characters are traditional and interesting. The story is well thought out and flows well. Can't wait to read book 3.
Fun little story. Book 2 on this series. Good story building upon story 1. O like the characters and how the story builds and ends. Nice way they use Ben in the story Fun read.
GREAT story with wonderful description and good characters. My favorite out of the series so far. I loved how the author kept building on the world as time went on.
This is a wonderful series for younger readers. Being an old reader, I still had great fun reading this fantasy. If only such places and adventure s truly existed.
My 10 year daughters and I are really enjoying this series, but I didn't have answer when they asked where the girls were. Sure he has a sister and grandmother, but really nobody Other than the nymph and witch in all of Camelot and Faerie is female????
The Black Dragon is a bit messy but still an enjoyable story that should entertain middle grade readers. I found the grammar needed a good editor's hand but Mr. Newman did a very good job of weaving his story of Ben and Casey's adventures in Camelot, a magical world filled with elves, dwarves, gnomes and an evil dragon. Although the characters are quite common in fairy tales, Mr. Newman has a way of making them fit into his tale of a land far away only accessible through Merlin trees or elfin magic.
Excellent youth 2 part series. I hope W.D. adds a third. Well written, clean fun. Good morals, and an enjoyable read. Sometimes it's nice to read younger books and remember your innocent view of the world. This is the part 2. The first one is The Thirteenth Unicorn. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes and a dash of magic!
The second book in a fantasy series that started with The Thirteenth Unicorn. A mixture of fantasy, adventure, and positive values portrayed by the stories main characters. A delightful tale that attempts to share the attitudes and beliefs behind the behaviors of the main characters during their adventures. I look forward to the next book!
This book was the best I read the first book also and its one was even more exciting!I really suggest this book to anyone! This book was full of excitement and adventure. I gave this rating because how good this book was. I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.
An excellent follow up to his first book The Thirteenth Unicorn. He has great characters and the book flows so well that you'll get lost in it. I am looking forward to the third installment of the Ben Alderman series.
I love this book. I am not done with it yet, but so far it has been a great book. I love it. I hope W.D. Newman writes more books like this. They are so good. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes fantasies. I can't wait for more to come out.
This book was just as awesome as the first book! I loved reading it and learning more about the characters. The scenes are very descriptive and easy to picture as you read along. I definitely hope there is another book to this!
This was a great fantasy tale for all ages. A follow up to the first book, The Thirteenth Unicorn, that was great in it's own right. The Black Dragon picks up right where The Thirteenth Unicorn left off. Young Ben Alderman makes a great hero.
rich characters and wonderful storylines. the descriptions are vivid and fanciful and easy to imagine myself in the middle of it all. who. doesn't love a happy ending?