Dawn of an Alliance

The Polar Bear and the Dragon #1

by Debbie Watson, Mark Pate (Illustrator)

A twist of fate draws two unsuspecting teens into a tangled web of unforeseen circumstances. What lies ahead will test their courage and challenge the strength of family bonds. The outcome will decide their future.

The White Pine endured centuries of Lake Superior storms. Keeping her secret from an inquisitive teenager is far more difficult. Scarred and weary, the ancient guardian wonders how long she must bear this burden.

Whitney senses a mysterious presence within the towering pine, but the secret stays hidden until her thirteenth summer. Once revealed, there's no turning back. Though Whitney and Edward have never met, a mysterious connection binds them together and draws them into a world of magic and mystery. Tormented by endless nightmares and confusing new abilities, they grow impatient and short-tempered. While their families yearn to help, this crisis has no Earthly solution.

Whitney and Edward were chosen at birth to defend Yagdi. Fearing her distant world will soon need its young heroes a powerful ally journeys to Earth. With her patient guidance, the teens face their destinies and learn to use their newfound skills. Though fiercely independent, their friendship deepens and relying on each other makes them stronger.

Will the teens risk everything for a world they never knew existed?

A spellbinding tale of family and friendship and discovering the powers within for all readers 12 and older.

Genres: Fantasy

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2023

About the author

Debbie and her husband Dave live in Northern Michigan with their two pups, Parker & Buddy. They enjoy the great outdoors, and the rugged coast of Lake Superior has long been a favorite destination. Remnants of a vivid dream, with intriguing images of a polar bear and a dragon on the shore of that magical place sparked The Polar Bear and the Dragon.

Debbie began writing Dawn of an Alliance in May of 2020, with two tenacious teens leading the cast of characters. Whitney and Edward reflect Debbie’s middle grade students’ boundless energy and passion for life. As the plot unfolded, one book became two, then a third. Dawn of an Alliance was finished in 2021, Dream Jumper followed the next year, and Perilous Passage was completed early in 2023.

While written for middle grade readers, this tale’s intriguing plot and important life lessons have captured the imagination of any who enjoy tales of fantasy and adventure.

Cheers to new adventures! Your feedback makes me a better writer, so please take a minute to share your thoughts with a review. :-)

Reviews

[Amir · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading “The Polar Bear and the Dragon” I was immediately struck by a light and breezy way in which the author paints the picture for us – a style oddly similar to the one of JK Rowling. The illustrations also add a sense of wonder and curiosity.
I really enjoyed reading it not just because of the curious alliance which we get to experience between the bear and the dragon, but also because it is written in the type of language that personally suits me the most. I am 35 years old – it kept me entertained from start to finish, but I am also more than sure that it would do the same for my niece who is about to turn 9.
The characters were well developed and I found some insightful messages beyond the overall magical theme – friendship, teamwork, growing up. Personally, I am very fond of books that are all about fantasy and adventure, but if children are able to draw something else from that is positive, that just makes the book that much better.
I highly recommend for you to read this story.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent middle grade fantasy story

When Whitney’s dad, Stan, dies moments before she is born her fate as The Choose One is immediately sealed. With her mum Susan they move to a small rural town in Michigan overlooking Lake Superior. She grows up a happy child but just before her 13th birthday the bad dreams start, red eyes in the mist and tentacles trying to reach her, night after night. It soon becomes obvious that it’s not just a dream especially when Whitney learns her dad had the exact same bad dreams before he died. That’s when she meets Ursula a mysterious woman who can morph into a polar bear. Ursula tells her an unbelievable story of bears, dragons and wizards that rocks Whitney’s world. As she comes to terms with what’s happening, Whitney must train with the powerful mage, Mergan, if she is to survive what happens next.
This is a beautifully written story perfect for middle graders and adults. This kind of reminded me of the Philip Pullman books so if you like them you will love this.

[letsread88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good. I read it with my middle schooler and I am happy to say I enjoyed it just as much as he did. Don’t hesitate to pick up this book and give it a read with your child. The characters were great and so was the world building. Five stars in my and my child’s list.

[Jane Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming story about how four characters, both human and animal, come together to form an alliance in order to heroically defend a mythical land against the evil that threatens it.
I was drawn to the 13 year old heroine who lives with her veterinary mother by the shores of Lake Superior and it is not necessary to have ever visited that part of the world to feel its beauty and grandeur through the author's description of the weather and landscape.
The illustrations by Mark Pate are delightful and, drawn as they are in monochrome, they add an almost nostalgic atmosphere to the text.
A very good read.

[Violet Perry (Just a Bookish Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.75
~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!
First of all, if I was in the ideal target audience for this book (about 8-11), I think I would've really enjoyed this book, and I feel like it was definitely written in the style that mainly appeals to a middle-grade audience. So, if you're a middle grade reader looking for a fun, lighthearted novel, with spunky characters and unexpected allies, I definitely recommend this one for you!
All in all, this was a good book. It had great characters, a solid plot, etc., but I just don't think I'm the ideal target audience for it (which is the reason for my lower rating).
~Full Review To Come~

[Isla Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute book that I think hits its target demographic well. Whitney is on the verge of turning 13 when she discovers there's something special about the moonstone she inherited from her father. This leads her into a magical world with a colorful cast of characters where they must work together and embrace each others personal strengths to defend Yagdi against evil.
These are great themes for an upper MG book and they are well executed. In some pales I found the text a touch repetitive which slowed me down, but overall a fun read and one I would recommend to young readers dipping their toes into fantasy.

[Vida Sik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A frollicking fantasy adventure
Whitney's summer vacation is about to turn into the adventure of a lifetime. A bear, little dragon and a whole lot more awaits this tween when her mother hands over a letter from her dead father and a moonstone with special powers.
This book is easy to read, and is sprinkled with beautiful illustrations as the main characters form an unlikely alliance. It is suitable for readers aged 10 and upwards who will enjoy this fantasy that offers lessons about using your unique abilities and learning to work as a team.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a teacher, I'm always on the lookout for new books to suggest to my students, and this fits the bill perfectly! This is a book that appeals to a middle-grade audience, while at the same time written well enough that it can be read by adults as well. It was imaginative, well-described, and sets up future installments well.

[Brenda E. Mcdaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book was well written. And the plot and character development was well done. It was a very unique and imaginative story. A book that will hold a child's attention till the end. Great job. Keep writing great author.

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What twelve-year-old Whitney had planned for the summer was swept away by unexpected events. Was the moonstone necklace she wore in memory of her late father more than it was thought to be?

The fantasy tale begins...

This story is for a teen readership and the writing style suits that – in addition to the illustrations.

Approaching her thirteenth birthday, Whitney is forced to grapple with an incredible journey and truth and I think that this was done well. It’s about growing up and becoming independent and it’s good to see the process.

The cast of characters was intriguing and the overall magical feel was nicely done. The plot was clear and the descriptions of the fantasy land matched the story as a whole. Overall, I enjoyed the idea.

Worth a look.

[Kristina Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whitney is plagued by bad dreams, just like her father. She learns that she is chosen, just like he was, to protect another land. And a dragon prince. Along with another chosen child.

This chapter book could be good for children switching from picture books. The story is simple and the characters are similarly written. It would also appeal to those who haven’t read fantasy before. The setting, plot, and characters are not as complex as something like Percy Jackson or The Last Map Maker. The story did not have a climax in the vein of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, so no armies battling or facing off against or defeating the enemy. If you’re looking more for a story about children learning they have special powers and training a little bit, this might be a good read.

I’d recommended reading the opening chapter and then skipping to chapter 4 as most of the information is told again in the following chapters. The dialog became repetitive at times and not a lot happens in the chapters to progress the story. The characters have magical gifts which don’t manifest until about 60% through and training to use the magic doesn’t happen until 70% and is short. Those events not occurring fast enough may not hold young readers attentions that long.

I loved the artwork within and the idea of the Traveller was interesting, reminiscent of going to Narnia.

[R.F. Whong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. The character development was commendable, with the protagonists forming heartfelt connections as the story unfolded.

The pacing and verbosity occasionally slowed down the narrative. Another minor observation: Maybe other readers don’t mind, but it’ll be an even better read for me if the author could reduce the usage of "but" (hundreds of buts throughout the pages; 5 “buts” on page 90 alone).

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming Introduction

I loved getting to know Whitney and other characters in this book. The book serves mostly as introductions of the main characters. Whitney and Edward must help protect a prince from another land where war is brewing. There was a couple skirmishes in this tale, but it looks like the bigger battles and threats are saved for later in the series. Overall, A great and charming introduction to a new story.

[Carla Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters you care about!

Debbie Watson skillfully builds your belief in the protagonist , creating life lessons along the way without preaching. She writes with imagery that comes to life and anticipation that keeps you turning pages, leaving you excited to read the next book.

[Burcu Yasar · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @48%

[Babs Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate and applaud the author for creating thoughtful and empathetic characters. Love the messaging in the story about teamwork and standing up for what is right.

[Catherine Radu · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHARACTER AND PLOT EXTRAORDINAIRE

The Polar Bear and the Dragon authored by Debbie Watson is an exciting and delightful read for young and old alike! What impressive character development painted with written word! Whitney and Edward demonstrate communication and problem solving skills in a wonderful fantasy setting, great for any middle or high schooler to emulate and explore. Having been a reading consultant for over 30 years, I believe this novel would be a great classroom read, lending itself to stimulating discussions about friendship, character traits, feelings, fantasy and life!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the beginning of summer vacation, and twelve-year-old Whitney is ready for lazy mornings and endless hours searching for rocks on the beach near her home in Northern Michigan. Though her dad died the night she was born, Whitney and her mother have fallen into a companionable rhythm, and Whitney wears her dad’s precious moonstone around her neck to keep him close. Little does Whitney know that her father was connected to more than even her mother knew, and Whitney is primed to walk in his footsteps. Instead of the relaxing summer she had envisioned, Whitney is thrust into a leadership role that will test her independence as her thirteenth birthday approaches.

Written for an advanced middle grade audience, this book centers around a preteen protagonist and includes occasional illustrations to enhance comprehension. Though the text is substantial and appears in small font, the plot is clear and easy to follow, especially when broken up by white space at the end of each chapter. Strong themes of interdependence, teamwork, and familial love are found throughout the book, supporting the protagonists as they discover the innate abilities that make them ideally suited to the mission they have been given.

Overall, the writing does more telling than showing, especially at the beginning as the setting and circumstances are unfolding for readers. As the story continues, however, excitement begins to build and characters gain a bit more depth in preparation for future installments. Intriguing characters emerge in Whitney’s life, each one welcomed easily by her trusting and supportive mother. These guides lead Whitney to her potential, which she finds with very few obstacles standing in her way.

Middle grade readers who are transitioning to young adult books will appreciate the balance of text to illustrations in this novel. While the writing style could use some improvement to its flow and intrigue, the plot is compelling and inspires readers to learn more about the mysterious land of Yagdi and the enormous responsibility Whitney and her friends share. The first in a series, this is a unique addition to libraries for middle grade readers.

I received a copy of this book from the author and I chose to leave this review.

[Jane Taylor]

This is a charming story about how four characters, both human and animal, come together to form an alliance in order to heroically defend a mythical land against the evil that threatens it.
I was drawn to the 13 year old heroine who lives with her veterinary mother by the shores of Lake Superior and it is not necessary to have ever visited that part of the world to feel its beauty and grandeur through the author's description of the weather and landscape.
The illustrations by Mark Pate are delightful and, drawn as they are in monochrome, they add an almost nostalgic atmosphere to the text.
A very good read.

[Suzanna Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Polar Bear and The Dragon is a really fun story. The writing drips with emotion and there are some great descriptions with all senses engaged. There are just the right amount of illustrations, and the story is a very imaginative take on the heroes journey/coming of age genre.
I would say this book is aimed at upper/more advanced middle grade readers, so, whilst I really enjoyed the book, I am way older than the target audience, and it might be worth parents checking whether thier child is up to the required reading level before purchasing.