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Dragon Shield #1
Dragon Shield
The start of a thrilling, action-packed trilogy from Charlie Fletcher, set in a world where statues come to life and dragons and heroes battle.
Something dark has woken in the British Museum, and it has stopped time, literally freezing the city in its tracks. The people are there, but unmoving, unseeing - like statues. The statues, on the other hand, can move, and are astonished at what they see.
In the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Will and Jo are suddenly plunged into this world of statues - and find themselves pursued by murderous dragons. With help from a couple of friendly statues, Will and Jo must escape the evil that stalks them in the streets of London.
Something dark has woken in the British Museum, and it has stopped time, literally freezing the city in its tracks. The people are there, but unmoving, unseeing - like statues. The statues, on the other hand, can move, and are astonished at what they see.
In the Great Ormond Street Hospital, Will and Jo are suddenly plunged into this world of statues - and find themselves pursued by murderous dragons. With help from a couple of friendly statues, Will and Jo must escape the evil that stalks them in the streets of London.
219 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2014
21 people are currently reading
362 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Fletcher
22 books377 followersAlso publishes under C.A. Fletcher
Charlie Fletcher is the author of Stoneheart, shortlisted for the Branford Boase award and longlisted for the Guardian children’s fiction award, the sequels Ironhand and Silvertongue, and the stand-alone YA novel Far Rockaway.
His first adult novel The Oversight will be published in May 2014 in the US and UK.
Dragon Shield, the start of a new trilogy set in the Stoneheart world of London will be published in mid 2014.
He’s also a screenwriter for film and television . He lives in Edinburgh with one wife, two children, and a terrier called Archie.
He's twitterable at @CharlieFletch_r
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_...
Charlie Fletcher is the author of Stoneheart, shortlisted for the Branford Boase award and longlisted for the Guardian children’s fiction award, the sequels Ironhand and Silvertongue, and the stand-alone YA novel Far Rockaway.
His first adult novel The Oversight will be published in May 2014 in the US and UK.
Dragon Shield, the start of a new trilogy set in the Stoneheart world of London will be published in mid 2014.
He’s also a screenwriter for film and television . He lives in Edinburgh with one wife, two children, and a terrier called Archie.
He's twitterable at @CharlieFletch_r
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 5, 2019
3.5
Charlie Fletcher’s first, fantastic adult novel, The Oversight, is looking to be one of my favourite books this year, so you can imagine my excitement on hearing that Fletcher has begun a new children’s fantasy trilogy. This first in the series is an exuberant quest through a fantastical London that should appeal to all magic-loving children. Wonderfully inventive, but just as some children's books work for adults, others do not as much - though being perfect for the intended readers is no bad thing!
Full review here
Book recieved from the publisher through NZ Booklovers
Charlie Fletcher’s first, fantastic adult novel, The Oversight, is looking to be one of my favourite books this year, so you can imagine my excitement on hearing that Fletcher has begun a new children’s fantasy trilogy. This first in the series is an exuberant quest through a fantastical London that should appeal to all magic-loving children. Wonderfully inventive, but just as some children's books work for adults, others do not as much - though being perfect for the intended readers is no bad thing!
Full review here
Book recieved from the publisher through NZ Booklovers
July 15, 2014
I have a particular fondness for the Stoneheart trilogy as my husband & I travelled around London & took photos of all of the statues included so I rather hoped I'd enjoy Dragon Shield & I'm happy to say I did, very much. Yes it is similar to the first trilogy but it would be as it is set in the same fantastical version of London. Wonderful to meet new statue characters as well as recognising old friends. Looking forward to the next book (& further related photographic expeditions!).
March 15, 2016
"Dragon Shield" an exciting adventure set in London begins when a ancient dark power stops time freezing the city and its people. Only Will and Jo Carter escape the fallout of time. In a desperate attempt to try and rescue their mother they collide with a murderous dragon but are saved by Ariel the statue of a spirit of air that usually graces the roof of the Bank of England. But the cost of saving Will and Jo is high, and her broken body must be returned to her plinth before midnight if she's to be healed.
After the statute of a Winged Victory agrees to fly Ariel to her pedestal, Will armed with the dragon's shield, and Jo plunge into the world of statues looking for answers to the mystery of the motionless city. But when Jo is taken prisoner Will's top priority is to unfreeze and liberate her from her evil abductors at the British Museum.
In an intoxicating and gripping tale that weaves together magic, mystery and adventure Will takes a journey across the city to a meeting of statues not only to find answers but a solution to saving his sister from the sinister force that holds her captive. Uniquely imaginative, Charlie Fletcher brings to life an emerging war between the Taints (non-human looking, malicious statues) and the Spits (human looking statues) when time magically stands still. Fast-paced and action-packed the plot moves quickly and smoothly towards a violent confrontation that leaves many unanswered questions and begs for a sequel.
Will Carter insecure after a dare left his sister with a hobbled leg feels like a liar and coward. Yet as events unfold he finds a shield that gives him new strength, speed and the assurance that he can assist in a reconnaissance mission to the British Museum and save his sister. Jo Carter a trusting, clever and brave young girl refuses to divulge any information to Bast and the Sekhmet, hoping she'll be saved.
Throughout the adventure as intensity and suspense continually build Will and Jo meet a wonderful cast of impressive statues including a fearless WWI Fusilier; Tragedy a resourceful imp; a homicidal Dictionary cat; Filax a gallant Molossian Hound; two spirited St. Georges; and multiple vicious and spiteful dragons. It is these personalities that add passion, fire and drama to this fascinating story.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Dragon Shield" with its realistic and creative black/white illustrations, thrilling plot and unforgettable characters. I look forward to reading the next episode in this exciting series for young teens.
After the statute of a Winged Victory agrees to fly Ariel to her pedestal, Will armed with the dragon's shield, and Jo plunge into the world of statues looking for answers to the mystery of the motionless city. But when Jo is taken prisoner Will's top priority is to unfreeze and liberate her from her evil abductors at the British Museum.
In an intoxicating and gripping tale that weaves together magic, mystery and adventure Will takes a journey across the city to a meeting of statues not only to find answers but a solution to saving his sister from the sinister force that holds her captive. Uniquely imaginative, Charlie Fletcher brings to life an emerging war between the Taints (non-human looking, malicious statues) and the Spits (human looking statues) when time magically stands still. Fast-paced and action-packed the plot moves quickly and smoothly towards a violent confrontation that leaves many unanswered questions and begs for a sequel.
Will Carter insecure after a dare left his sister with a hobbled leg feels like a liar and coward. Yet as events unfold he finds a shield that gives him new strength, speed and the assurance that he can assist in a reconnaissance mission to the British Museum and save his sister. Jo Carter a trusting, clever and brave young girl refuses to divulge any information to Bast and the Sekhmet, hoping she'll be saved.
Throughout the adventure as intensity and suspense continually build Will and Jo meet a wonderful cast of impressive statues including a fearless WWI Fusilier; Tragedy a resourceful imp; a homicidal Dictionary cat; Filax a gallant Molossian Hound; two spirited St. Georges; and multiple vicious and spiteful dragons. It is these personalities that add passion, fire and drama to this fascinating story.
I thoroughly enjoyed "Dragon Shield" with its realistic and creative black/white illustrations, thrilling plot and unforgettable characters. I look forward to reading the next episode in this exciting series for young teens.
August 16, 2019
It's a return to the familiar world of the Stoneheart trilogy, which I loved. This story feels a little simpler, intended for younger kids, but it was still enjoyable.
April 21, 2021
This is the most British book I think I've ever read.
It was fun, relatively well written for a children's book. I'd had it recommended to be a while back and then received it as part of a mystery book bundle so I thought why not give this a go. I can appreciate the easy fantasy aspects and I actually really enjoyed the premise, I think if it had been aimed towards a more adult audience then it would have certainly struck a pleasant chord.
Overall though, I thought that it was just a bit forgettable. It's 219 pages of not much happening, but somehow also could have been easily completed had Fletcher given it another 100 pages instead of spreading it thin through a trilogy.
It was fun, relatively well written for a children's book. I'd had it recommended to be a while back and then received it as part of a mystery book bundle so I thought why not give this a go. I can appreciate the easy fantasy aspects and I actually really enjoyed the premise, I think if it had been aimed towards a more adult audience then it would have certainly struck a pleasant chord.
Overall though, I thought that it was just a bit forgettable. It's 219 pages of not much happening, but somehow also could have been easily completed had Fletcher given it another 100 pages instead of spreading it thin through a trilogy.
October 22, 2020
I expected so much more out of that book, but unfortunately for me it didn’t deliver at all.
The book is super childish for my taste. It has untapped potential.
The book is super childish for my taste. It has untapped potential.
October 22, 2022
I loved reading this book
Read
December 13, 2025What a fun idea having statues coming to life. The St George's were a real hoot and the Duke of Wellington was all gruff and strict. A great read.
October 6, 2022
Investing and fun children's read.
It showed London with a new POV. Not, only connecting it own history but history of other cultures as well.
The creative perspective was strong and enticing.
Not only there was adventure but the struggle of a brother and sister to stay together in a city where time has freezed. And actually survive.
The fight part could've been stronger. And, Triology didn't seemed a point for such a quick read. Better if would've continued...
It showed London with a new POV. Not, only connecting it own history but history of other cultures as well.
The creative perspective was strong and enticing.
Not only there was adventure but the struggle of a brother and sister to stay together in a city where time has freezed. And actually survive.
The fight part could've been stronger. And, Triology didn't seemed a point for such a quick read. Better if would've continued...
April 17, 2015
The concept of this book is quite clever—the statues of London come to life mysteriously while the human or "regular" world gets frozen, all but for two children. This book builds off the world built in Fletcher's earlier books, beginning with Stone Heart.
Unfortunately, I didn't find this book quite as compelling as the first installment. Part of the problem I had was that the book was rife with typographical errors. Perhaps these go unnoticed by many readers, but as someone who has worked a lot with book design and editing, they attacked me as surely as the stone creatures in the book! Of course, I can always forgive one or two lapses in a book, but the errors in this particular edition were countless and kept yanking me out of the story and into the Land of Frustration.
Unfortunately, I didn't find this book quite as compelling as the first installment. Part of the problem I had was that the book was rife with typographical errors. Perhaps these go unnoticed by many readers, but as someone who has worked a lot with book design and editing, they attacked me as surely as the stone creatures in the book! Of course, I can always forgive one or two lapses in a book, but the errors in this particular edition were countless and kept yanking me out of the story and into the Land of Frustration.
September 2, 2014
Excellent. A return to the world of statues in London with new characters Will and his sister. Something evil is afoot in the British Museum and it had stopped all of the people except Will and his sister. Dragons are after them. They are helped by some of the same statues that starred in Stoneheart trilogy or played a supporting role. This will be a fun new series to read.
May 5, 2015
This is a really good book, in my opinion. It has action, suspense, siblings and awesome characters. You can clearly see that the author has put a lot of Work into writing this book. I think it could've been longer, but that isn't really my decicion ;)
The wait for the next book is in my opinion way too long since I really want to know what happens next.
The wait for the next book is in my opinion way too long since I really want to know what happens next.
February 19, 2015
Although I loved the Stoneheart trilogy, I didn't particularly enjoy starting the world all over again with no reference to the previous adventure. Having said that it was a good adventurous read, for around 9-11 year olds.
honestly-ill-never-get-around-to-it
June 26, 2014*sigh*
also a trilogy
also a trilogy
November 27, 2014
A wonderful story with great excitement!
November 10, 2015
Lots of the characters who appeared in the earlier Stoneheart series re-appear here. Didn't have the same appeal to me as that series perhaps as it inevitably so similar but still an enjoyable read
Read
May 23, 2016Great! Liked it a lot for the length it was but should have been longer as I reckon the next 2 in the trilogy should be also!
January 2, 2015
Not as good as stone heart, little disappointed.
May 1, 2016
Great book!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews