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Llama Quest #1
Danger in the Dragons' Den
Start your quest with a talking purple llama and protect the Kingdom of Ravenwood! Join eight-year-old Dak as he’s swept into a magical adventure to protect the people and creatures of their kingdom—including dragons!
Eight-year-old Dak spends his days scooping llama poop and dreaming of adventure. Then he meets Fenn, the mysterious girl who lives next to his family’s farm, and Lucy, a llama…who wears a scarf? And talks? And turns PURPLE?!
Suddenly Dak is on a magical whirlwind adventure! Turns out Lucy is the keeper of the magical stones that protect the people of Ravenwood —and a thief has tried to steal them. Now they’re scattered across the kingdom! The good news? Lucy has found the Fire Stone. The bad news? A family of dragons found it first and they won’t give it up easily. Can Dak, Fenn, and Lucy get the Fire Stone back?
They’ll encounter magical creatures, a sneaky thief, and tricky magic, but when Dak, Fenn, and Lucy work together, nothing can beat Team Llama Quest!
Eight-year-old Dak spends his days scooping llama poop and dreaming of adventure. Then he meets Fenn, the mysterious girl who lives next to his family’s farm, and Lucy, a llama…who wears a scarf? And talks? And turns PURPLE?!
Suddenly Dak is on a magical whirlwind adventure! Turns out Lucy is the keeper of the magical stones that protect the people of Ravenwood —and a thief has tried to steal them. Now they’re scattered across the kingdom! The good news? Lucy has found the Fire Stone. The bad news? A family of dragons found it first and they won’t give it up easily. Can Dak, Fenn, and Lucy get the Fire Stone back?
They’ll encounter magical creatures, a sneaky thief, and tricky magic, but when Dak, Fenn, and Lucy work together, nothing can beat Team Llama Quest!
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 31, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC!
4 stars
Honestly, this is the type of book I'd love to get my niece. It's super cute and adorable, plus is just a fun story. The art is great. There's dragons and magic. The world building is simple but fun. Really, if people want a little fantasy adventures for their kiddos, I'd definitely recommend it!
4 stars
Honestly, this is the type of book I'd love to get my niece. It's super cute and adorable, plus is just a fun story. The art is great. There's dragons and magic. The world building is simple but fun. Really, if people want a little fantasy adventures for their kiddos, I'd definitely recommend it!
September 2, 2024
Super cute. An ARC read. Review to come.
*****
Eight year old Dak has a good life. His family loves him, the family llama farm is successful, and he doesn't have to worry about being cold at night. The llama poop he spends all day shoveling makes for excellent kindling.
It's a good life, he knows, but not necessarily the one he wants. He'd prefer adventure, travel, and a sense of responsibility that doesn't include scooping llama poop. He doesn't expect the opportunity to arise one evening from a sparkling purple llama.
A talking sparkling purple llama. Can Dak help Llama Lucy and his new friend, Fenn, on a quest that is of the utmost importance for their world?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny, well-paced, and the illustrations were adorable. I could see my boys or my nieces enjoying the story, and I liked how the first book ended well while leaving a nice opening for future stories. The mythology was explained well, the world building was clever, and I very much enjoyed the dragons. I would recommend this book to parents and kids looking for an enjoyable read.
Especially if they like llamas.
*****
Eight year old Dak has a good life. His family loves him, the family llama farm is successful, and he doesn't have to worry about being cold at night. The llama poop he spends all day shoveling makes for excellent kindling.
It's a good life, he knows, but not necessarily the one he wants. He'd prefer adventure, travel, and a sense of responsibility that doesn't include scooping llama poop. He doesn't expect the opportunity to arise one evening from a sparkling purple llama.
A talking sparkling purple llama. Can Dak help Llama Lucy and his new friend, Fenn, on a quest that is of the utmost importance for their world?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was funny, well-paced, and the illustrations were adorable. I could see my boys or my nieces enjoying the story, and I liked how the first book ended well while leaving a nice opening for future stories. The mythology was explained well, the world building was clever, and I very much enjoyed the dragons. I would recommend this book to parents and kids looking for an enjoyable read.
Especially if they like llamas.
August 28, 2024
I meant to take a pic of this at the pool this morning as I read it in i's entirety actually in the water there, but I spaced, so here we are.
Eight year old Dak is excellent at scooping poop at his parent's llama farm, but he longs to leave the island and explore a little! He'll get that chance one night when he meets his neighbor Fenn and Lucy the magical talking llama as they begin their quest to find the twelve missing magical stones. Who knows where they'll end up next and what they'll learn along the way? This adventurous start to a new series is perfect for young readers and might even teach them some new vocabulary!
/Sigh Don't get me wrong, this was cute. I have no complaints about the story, for the target audience. But I am not it. However, I've started reading kidlit by Georgia authors for reviews for this local magazine and now since I'm reviewing those, publishers are sending me more non-Georgia author stuff. I mean, I'll give it a go I guess, if it's sent directly to me, but this isn't my jam. Fortunately, it's usually a super quick read. So there's that. Funny this is, since I started trying to be more diligent about seeking out Georgia authors, the contact at the magazine hasn't contacted me in ages. It's only quarterly, but it's been a while. 🤷♀️ I'll give him a few more months, but if he doesn't, I'm done. I don't really want to read this anyway.
Sorry about the gripe. It has nothing to do with the book. This was cute and I'll probably see about stocking this at work.
Eight year old Dak is excellent at scooping poop at his parent's llama farm, but he longs to leave the island and explore a little! He'll get that chance one night when he meets his neighbor Fenn and Lucy the magical talking llama as they begin their quest to find the twelve missing magical stones. Who knows where they'll end up next and what they'll learn along the way? This adventurous start to a new series is perfect for young readers and might even teach them some new vocabulary!
/Sigh Don't get me wrong, this was cute. I have no complaints about the story, for the target audience. But I am not it. However, I've started reading kidlit by Georgia authors for reviews for this local magazine and now since I'm reviewing those, publishers are sending me more non-Georgia author stuff. I mean, I'll give it a go I guess, if it's sent directly to me, but this isn't my jam. Fortunately, it's usually a super quick read. So there's that. Funny this is, since I started trying to be more diligent about seeking out Georgia authors, the contact at the magazine hasn't contacted me in ages. It's only quarterly, but it's been a while. 🤷♀️ I'll give him a few more months, but if he doesn't, I'm done. I don't really want to read this anyway.
Sorry about the gripe. It has nothing to do with the book. This was cute and I'll probably see about stocking this at work.
April 24, 2025
Llama Quest: Danger in the Dragons’ Den is the sort of middlegrade novel that tells more than it shows. This is primarily a problem within the writing itself, existing both in the general prose but, unfortunately, the dialogue as well. Though I can most certainly see a number of kids having an absolute blast reading the story, the writing overall bugged the heck out of me. Everything happened far too easily and quickly with the overall descriptions and dialogue being very exposition heavy.
I can’t say that I would add this to my list of books to read to my future kids, either and, even worse, it’s the kind of book that would be difficult to provide to my students on account of the fact that the language is too advanced for the students who would be more interested in the topic. Overall, the plot was rather episodic as well, which leads me to believe this book and series might be a great one to adapt for a graphic novel or children’s show.
One thing I absolutely loved about this book, though, was the artwork. In fact, the illustrations were so gorgeous that I genuinely was baffled as to why the author had not simply chosen to write a graphic novel instead. Much of the stilted nature of the writing might have been resolved had that been the case. Though the dialogue might still have had some struggles, they would be much more forgivable in that format.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I can’t say that I would add this to my list of books to read to my future kids, either and, even worse, it’s the kind of book that would be difficult to provide to my students on account of the fact that the language is too advanced for the students who would be more interested in the topic. Overall, the plot was rather episodic as well, which leads me to believe this book and series might be a great one to adapt for a graphic novel or children’s show.
One thing I absolutely loved about this book, though, was the artwork. In fact, the illustrations were so gorgeous that I genuinely was baffled as to why the author had not simply chosen to write a graphic novel instead. Much of the stilted nature of the writing might have been resolved had that been the case. Though the dialogue might still have had some struggles, they would be much more forgivable in that format.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2025
Adventure awaits in this new fantasy series centering around magical stones, a thief, and new friends.
Dak is an eight-year-old boy who helps his family on their llama farm. He's trying his best to do his work all on his own to show he is old enough to go to the Mainland with his family. But then he finds himself thrust into a magical adventure trying to find 12 stones that a thief tried to steal. The thief activated the stones' defense mechanism and now they are scattered around the kingdom of Ravenwood. Dak will fight alongside Lucy (a talking llama and the keeper of the stones) and Fenn (a mysterious girl who wants to be a wizard) to get all the stones back together.
This was a cute read for second to third-graders. It's very to the point which makes sense based on the page length and age range. You're introduced to the characters and their motivations. Dak and Fenn in their own way want to prove themselves. Fenn wants to become a great wizard. You find she has some magic in her that helps save the day. Dak wants to show that he is big enough to take on more responsibility. He ends up finding that it's okay to not take on everything and that he can rely on his friends and family for help. There is some boy humor, fire-breathing dragons, and cool magical elements that make this a good first book in a series for younger readers. However, there does need to be a little more action in the next book to keep interest in the series going. I want to be able to recommend it to readers who like The Dragon Masters series or similar titles so I will have to read some more to formulate a final opinion on the series.
Dak is an eight-year-old boy who helps his family on their llama farm. He's trying his best to do his work all on his own to show he is old enough to go to the Mainland with his family. But then he finds himself thrust into a magical adventure trying to find 12 stones that a thief tried to steal. The thief activated the stones' defense mechanism and now they are scattered around the kingdom of Ravenwood. Dak will fight alongside Lucy (a talking llama and the keeper of the stones) and Fenn (a mysterious girl who wants to be a wizard) to get all the stones back together.
This was a cute read for second to third-graders. It's very to the point which makes sense based on the page length and age range. You're introduced to the characters and their motivations. Dak and Fenn in their own way want to prove themselves. Fenn wants to become a great wizard. You find she has some magic in her that helps save the day. Dak wants to show that he is big enough to take on more responsibility. He ends up finding that it's okay to not take on everything and that he can rely on his friends and family for help. There is some boy humor, fire-breathing dragons, and cool magical elements that make this a good first book in a series for younger readers. However, there does need to be a little more action in the next book to keep interest in the series going. I want to be able to recommend it to readers who like The Dragon Masters series or similar titles so I will have to read some more to formulate a final opinion on the series.
July 4, 2026
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An engaging chosen-one adventure featuring magic, dragons, and a talking llama.
In this early chapter book series, llama caretaker Dak is recruited by his mysterious neighbor Fenn and magical llama Lucy to find the twelve Magic Stones of Ravenwood after they have been stolen. Their first stop is Dragons' Den to find the fire stone before the thief does.
The writing is simple and straightforward, which would work well for the intended audience, but I also enjoyed it as an adult. The text also works in definitions for interesting vocabulary words like dire, cria, and dormant.
Nice themes of keeping promises and the importance of working as a team.
The black-and-white artwork pairs perfectly. I really enjoyed the art style. I also appreciated the map of the Kingdom of Ravenwood at the beginning of the book.
The backmatter includes a few pages from Fenn's Creature Journal including a list of the magic sources, wizard covens, and elemental magics, as well as her entry about dragons. There is also a list of questions and activities for reading comprehension, reflections, and writing prompts.
A great start to the series. Very interested in reading more about Dak, Fenn, and Lucy's efforts to protect the kingdom.
An engaging chosen-one adventure featuring magic, dragons, and a talking llama.
In this early chapter book series, llama caretaker Dak is recruited by his mysterious neighbor Fenn and magical llama Lucy to find the twelve Magic Stones of Ravenwood after they have been stolen. Their first stop is Dragons' Den to find the fire stone before the thief does.
The writing is simple and straightforward, which would work well for the intended audience, but I also enjoyed it as an adult. The text also works in definitions for interesting vocabulary words like dire, cria, and dormant.
Nice themes of keeping promises and the importance of working as a team.
The black-and-white artwork pairs perfectly. I really enjoyed the art style. I also appreciated the map of the Kingdom of Ravenwood at the beginning of the book.
The backmatter includes a few pages from Fenn's Creature Journal including a list of the magic sources, wizard covens, and elemental magics, as well as her entry about dragons. There is also a list of questions and activities for reading comprehension, reflections, and writing prompts.
A great start to the series. Very interested in reading more about Dak, Fenn, and Lucy's efforts to protect the kingdom.
February 3, 2025
Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy of Llama Quest: Danger in the Dragon's Den. Megan Reyes wrote a beautiful start to a children's magical adventure series. The story centers around Dak whose family runs a llama farm. They are well renowned for their llama's wool, and while Dak enjoys his life at the farm, he wishes for experiences in the Mainland like his older brother takes part in. Then one night a talking llama visits Dak and calls for his assistance on a quest. With the help of Fenn and Lucy the Llama, the trio embarks on a fun adventure that Dak will never forget!
This story is perfect for young children (age range is from 6 - 9, which I agree with). I would use this as a read aloud for young children as well.
I can't wait to purchase these stories to own for my library, or give to my nieces and nephew!
This story is perfect for young children (age range is from 6 - 9, which I agree with). I would use this as a read aloud for young children as well.
I can't wait to purchase these stories to own for my library, or give to my nieces and nephew!
August 6, 2025
Cute fantasy chapter book series featuring untraditional main characters like a llama. Also, happily noted is the brown-skinned main character, Dak.
The series reads towards 6/7 year olds, not up to 9 year olds as labeled. It features many fun fantasy ideas and objects like dragon’s teeth, frost flowers and different types of magic.
The opening scenes are good, but run for a fair amount of the story as does the denouement. More could have been done with the rising action and climax as they only take up a small portion of the book. The problem was solved too quickly, I barely noticed that it was over, but then came the lengthy ending.
Also, a certain amount of “telling” through the dialogue.
I tend to swoon over chapter book series that go a little bit deeper and this one didn't, but overall, it’s a simple action fantasy series that kids will like.
The series reads towards 6/7 year olds, not up to 9 year olds as labeled. It features many fun fantasy ideas and objects like dragon’s teeth, frost flowers and different types of magic.
The opening scenes are good, but run for a fair amount of the story as does the denouement. More could have been done with the rising action and climax as they only take up a small portion of the book. The problem was solved too quickly, I barely noticed that it was over, but then came the lengthy ending.
Also, a certain amount of “telling” through the dialogue.
I tend to swoon over chapter book series that go a little bit deeper and this one didn't, but overall, it’s a simple action fantasy series that kids will like.
June 27, 2026
Eight-year-old Dak is determined to prove to his family that he's ready to travel off his island home and to the mainland to explore, so he dedicates himself to working solo. But when he becomes part of a quest to save a set of magical stones from a thief, he learns that it's also important to learn when to rely on others.
The lesson of this book hits differently now that I'm reading a book about the power of introverts working alone. But that's not really the author's fault. Naturally, I was drawn to this title because of the llama, and I can't say I'm disappointed in the llama content. It's not terribly realistic to the llamas I've lived among, but it's cute, and it's a fun read. I'm not sure I'll be continuing with the series, but I appreciate that it takes the classic middle grade early reader with an important magical quest and makes it a bit silly and approachable.
The lesson of this book hits differently now that I'm reading a book about the power of introverts working alone. But that's not really the author's fault. Naturally, I was drawn to this title because of the llama, and I can't say I'm disappointed in the llama content. It's not terribly realistic to the llamas I've lived among, but it's cute, and it's a fun read. I'm not sure I'll be continuing with the series, but I appreciate that it takes the classic middle grade early reader with an important magical quest and makes it a bit silly and approachable.
January 13, 2025
The first in a new children's series finds Dad meeting Fenn, a mysterious girl, and Lucy, a talking purple llama. Together, they set out to save the kingdom by finding all the magical stones that are missing.
This was easy to read, but even for a children's series, the dialogue was just ok for me. It was almost between really young readers and older kids, so perhaps that is what felt weird to me. I like the premise though and I think kids will like the plot and the magical llamas.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was easy to read, but even for a children's series, the dialogue was just ok for me. It was almost between really young readers and older kids, so perhaps that is what felt weird to me. I like the premise though and I think kids will like the plot and the magical llamas.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2025
Picked up this book for my 5 year old, who is starting to enjoy longer stories at bed time.
Loved hearing him gasp audibly when he learns about the magic and wizards of the book.
I still read to my child, who is just in the very beginning stages of learning how to read on their own, the pictures in the book feel like the right amount of illustration to words ratio for this age group.
The book is so fun! We’re excited to read the next!
Loved hearing him gasp audibly when he learns about the magic and wizards of the book.
I still read to my child, who is just in the very beginning stages of learning how to read on their own, the pictures in the book feel like the right amount of illustration to words ratio for this age group.
The book is so fun! We’re excited to read the next!
August 3, 2024
ARC Copy...promising so far!
May 20, 2025
I said this about Reyes’ Heroes of Havensong series: I feel like she really remembers what it’s like to read fantasy as a kid and captures that even here in a series for even younger readers.
September 9, 2025
Read with my son for a special library event. Pretty good and he wants to read more. He loved the glossary of all the magical stones in the back of the book.
December 17, 2025
Fun short chapter book about a talking magical llama and two kids who go on a quest to retrieve 12 magic stones. Might appeal to fans of Dragon Masters series.
September 2, 2026
A great before bed book to read a chapter or 2 a night
December 29, 2025
Sweet and cute with themes of good work ethic and cooperation, topped with a sprinkle of healthy family relationships.
Just wish the illustrations inside could have been in color like the cover!
Just wish the illustrations inside could have been in color like the cover!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews