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The Last Dragon Charmer #1
Villain Keeper
Unexpected magic, villainous teachers, and dragons in disguise await readers in the first book of a delightful new tween adventure series by debut author Laurie McKay.
All his life, Prince Caden has dreamed of being sent on a quest to slay a dragon. But before he has the chance, he is ripped from his home in the Winterlands of Razzon and finds himself in Asheville, North Carolina—a land with no magic and no dragons. But a prince must always complete his quest. And the longer Caden is in Asheville, the more he realizes there is magic in this strange land after all. More important, there may just be dragons here, too. But what if Caden’s destiny isn’t to slay a dragon, like he's always believed?
Fans of Soman Chainani’s The School for Good and Evil and Chris Colfer’s The Land of Stories will be transported by this first book in an epic new series for middle grade readers about a brave young prince’s quest to find answers, honor, friendship—and what it really means to be a hero.
All his life, Prince Caden has dreamed of being sent on a quest to slay a dragon. But before he has the chance, he is ripped from his home in the Winterlands of Razzon and finds himself in Asheville, North Carolina—a land with no magic and no dragons. But a prince must always complete his quest. And the longer Caden is in Asheville, the more he realizes there is magic in this strange land after all. More important, there may just be dragons here, too. But what if Caden’s destiny isn’t to slay a dragon, like he's always believed?
Fans of Soman Chainani’s The School for Good and Evil and Chris Colfer’s The Land of Stories will be transported by this first book in an epic new series for middle grade readers about a brave young prince’s quest to find answers, honor, friendship—and what it really means to be a hero.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2015
8 people are currently reading
3623 people want to read
About the author
Laurie McKay
3 books173 followersLaurie McKay lives in Durham, NC, with her family and two elderly dogs. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her master's degree in biological oceanography from North Carolina State University. She's taught at the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School for Marine and Environmental Science and in the North Carolina community college system. When she's not dodging students and prepping lab activities, she's sitting at a local coffee shop and daydreaming about all things fantastical and science fiction.
Her debut novel VILLAIN KEEPER: The Last Dragon Charmer #1 and QUEST MAKER: The Last Dragon Charmer #2 are available now. REALM BREAKER: The Last Dragon Charmer #3 will be available of Mar 7th, 2017. Follow her on Twitter @McKayLL and visit her online at www.lauriemckay.net.
Her debut novel VILLAIN KEEPER: The Last Dragon Charmer #1 and QUEST MAKER: The Last Dragon Charmer #2 are available now. REALM BREAKER: The Last Dragon Charmer #3 will be available of Mar 7th, 2017. Follow her on Twitter @McKayLL and visit her online at www.lauriemckay.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 15, 2015
When Prince Caden is finally sent on a mission to slay a Dragon and become an Elite Paladin, he is thrilled, though thinks it's odd that he is being sent in the middle of the night with no fanfare. He sets off and quickly finds the dragon, but the next thing he knows, he along with Brynne (whom was nearby at the time) are swept away in a wave of dark magic. They end up in Asheville, North Carolina in modern times. It's a land of no Dragons and no magic so how can he finish his mission and get home?
Caden is caught by the police and sent to a foster home where a girl has been missing for the last week. This girl went missing the exact same time as Caden was dragged into this world. He realises there might be a connection and sets out to find the truth, though he has to survive school first! His first day of school he realises that this is no ordinary school and the teachers look an awful lot like villains from his realm that were banished!! When one of the teachers confirms his fears, he knows that not everything is as it seems. He will have to work with Brynne and Tito, his foster brother, to get to the bottom of what exactly is going on.
This was such a fun, fast paced and adventurous read!! I loved it.
Caden was an absolute hoot. He is sent into modern times and always tells the truth, so when he is asked why he is out in the woods with no parents, he tells the police exactly what happens. Needless to say, they think he is lying but have an obligation to get him shelter. They take him to a foster carer and he still tells it like he is. It was so funny reading the things he says and the reactions of people. Caden was such an awesome character, he was loyal, brave and honest. He just wanted to finish his quest and go home. He knows right from wrong and stands up for Tito when he is getting bullied. He is an admirable hero for kids.
All the characters in this book were so well written and developed, even the villains. Tito is another foster child and bless, my heart went out to him. He was so afraid of getting in trouble in case he was sent away that he left people bully him. When Caden comes along, he thinks he is cuckoo but can't help but be charmed by him. I loved reading how their friendship grows and they end up relying on each other.
Plot wise, it's really fast paced. The story itself is quite complex and you really don't know who is who and what's going to happen. It's revealed slowly and there are quite a few twists as well. We are still left with a lot of unanswered questions which makes me want book 2 like yesterday.
Anyway, I absolutely loved this book and flew through the pages. Its an action packed, often times laugh out loud, read. From it's amusing characters to it's adventurous plot, The Last Dragon Charmer : Villain Keeper is a must read. The author has made a fantastic world filled with mystery and magic and characters that you cant help but love. I'd highly recommend this book and can't wait for more. It's an impressive debut and definitely an author to keep an eye on. My boys are currently reading it by themselves and have told me twice already how good it is!!
Caden is caught by the police and sent to a foster home where a girl has been missing for the last week. This girl went missing the exact same time as Caden was dragged into this world. He realises there might be a connection and sets out to find the truth, though he has to survive school first! His first day of school he realises that this is no ordinary school and the teachers look an awful lot like villains from his realm that were banished!! When one of the teachers confirms his fears, he knows that not everything is as it seems. He will have to work with Brynne and Tito, his foster brother, to get to the bottom of what exactly is going on.
This was such a fun, fast paced and adventurous read!! I loved it.
Caden was an absolute hoot. He is sent into modern times and always tells the truth, so when he is asked why he is out in the woods with no parents, he tells the police exactly what happens. Needless to say, they think he is lying but have an obligation to get him shelter. They take him to a foster carer and he still tells it like he is. It was so funny reading the things he says and the reactions of people. Caden was such an awesome character, he was loyal, brave and honest. He just wanted to finish his quest and go home. He knows right from wrong and stands up for Tito when he is getting bullied. He is an admirable hero for kids.
All the characters in this book were so well written and developed, even the villains. Tito is another foster child and bless, my heart went out to him. He was so afraid of getting in trouble in case he was sent away that he left people bully him. When Caden comes along, he thinks he is cuckoo but can't help but be charmed by him. I loved reading how their friendship grows and they end up relying on each other.
Plot wise, it's really fast paced. The story itself is quite complex and you really don't know who is who and what's going to happen. It's revealed slowly and there are quite a few twists as well. We are still left with a lot of unanswered questions which makes me want book 2 like yesterday.
Anyway, I absolutely loved this book and flew through the pages. Its an action packed, often times laugh out loud, read. From it's amusing characters to it's adventurous plot, The Last Dragon Charmer : Villain Keeper is a must read. The author has made a fantastic world filled with mystery and magic and characters that you cant help but love. I'd highly recommend this book and can't wait for more. It's an impressive debut and definitely an author to keep an eye on. My boys are currently reading it by themselves and have told me twice already how good it is!!
June 1, 2016
Istyria book blog ~ B's world of enchanted books
Well, this was a lot of fun! That's the reason I love reading middle grade novels. They're always so much fun and imaginative! Even more so than young adult. Is this one perfect? No, but it's still very, very good and I really, really enjoyed it.
Villain Keeper tells the story of Prince Caden. While on his long-awaited quest to slay a dragon, he is suddenly ripped away from his home in the Winterlands of Razzon and finds himself in Ashville, North Carolina. A land with no magic and no dragons. And he didn't come alone. With him came a sorceress named Brynne and his loyal horse Sir Horace. But this land has no magic and no dragons, so how is Caden supposed to complete his quest? However, there seems to be more to this strange land than meets the eye and soon Caden starts to think that maybe his destiny isn't to slay a dragon at all.
Should I get the negative out the way immediately? Seems like that might be better. Not that there's a lot of negative to talk about really. The only thing that bothered me a bit was that it all felt a bit rushed and simple, but it is a middle grade book and most feel the same way. The story itself was pretty original and it was very fascinating. I was hooked and read this in one sitting, which is a pretty good indication of how much I enjoyed this. I am very curious to see what will happen next.
I liked all of the characters and I loved the way the author showed how strange everything was for Caden. Things didn't just came easily to him because everything was new. He's used to a life as a prince so this new life he suddenly has... it takes some getting used to. And it shows. I did feel like he learned and grew a bit by the end of the first book. I liked Tito, Brynne and Rosa too. I liked the friendships that formed in this first book of the series.
Villain Keeper was a lot of fun and it had me hooked right from the start. If you're a fan of middle grade fantasy books, I think you'll enjoy this one. It's a good start to a new series and I can't wait to see what happens next!
This review is also (or -soon- will be) posted on Istyria book blog.
Well, this was a lot of fun! That's the reason I love reading middle grade novels. They're always so much fun and imaginative! Even more so than young adult. Is this one perfect? No, but it's still very, very good and I really, really enjoyed it.
Villain Keeper tells the story of Prince Caden. While on his long-awaited quest to slay a dragon, he is suddenly ripped away from his home in the Winterlands of Razzon and finds himself in Ashville, North Carolina. A land with no magic and no dragons. And he didn't come alone. With him came a sorceress named Brynne and his loyal horse Sir Horace. But this land has no magic and no dragons, so how is Caden supposed to complete his quest? However, there seems to be more to this strange land than meets the eye and soon Caden starts to think that maybe his destiny isn't to slay a dragon at all.
Should I get the negative out the way immediately? Seems like that might be better. Not that there's a lot of negative to talk about really. The only thing that bothered me a bit was that it all felt a bit rushed and simple, but it is a middle grade book and most feel the same way. The story itself was pretty original and it was very fascinating. I was hooked and read this in one sitting, which is a pretty good indication of how much I enjoyed this. I am very curious to see what will happen next.
I liked all of the characters and I loved the way the author showed how strange everything was for Caden. Things didn't just came easily to him because everything was new. He's used to a life as a prince so this new life he suddenly has... it takes some getting used to. And it shows. I did feel like he learned and grew a bit by the end of the first book. I liked Tito, Brynne and Rosa too. I liked the friendships that formed in this first book of the series.
Villain Keeper was a lot of fun and it had me hooked right from the start. If you're a fan of middle grade fantasy books, I think you'll enjoy this one. It's a good start to a new series and I can't wait to see what happens next!
This review is also (or -soon- will be) posted on Istyria book blog.
November 25, 2014
Loved this book! It starts out as a fish-out-of-water story, with Prince Caden finding himself and his friend mysteriously landed in Asheville, North Carolina. But it quickly turns out that everything is not as it seems in Asheville, and in fact, they're not the only people from their realm to be living there. The book is full of humor and adventure, and the characters are all really well-drawn. Can't wait to read book two!
March 16, 2015
Genuinely funny middle-grade fantasy. In a twist in the usual Normal Kid Lands in Fantasy Aspects (see: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Land of Stories, friggin everything), Fantasy Kid Lands in North Carolina. And has to deal with it.
And all the fantasy villains that also live there.
And a foster situation where no one will agree to call him "your highness."
Amazing.
And all the fantasy villains that also live there.
And a foster situation where no one will agree to call him "your highness."
Amazing.
August 26, 2014
A keeper! Fun, fast paced, keeps you guessing as to what exactly the outcome will be. Definitely add this to your list of want to read.
October 26, 2015
Originally posted to my blog The Leaning Tower of Tomes: https://leaningtoweroftomes.wordpress...
THE REVIEW:
Villain Keeper is a fun, charming, magical adventure story about a young prince, Caden, who just wants to finish his quest to slay a dragon and go home to his fantastical world of Razzon. But he’s stuck in Asheville, North Carolina, due to some mysterious dark magic, and finds himself in the middle of a swamp of banished evildoers who take the form of his school teachers and cafeteria workers.
I really enjoyed this Middle Grade novel by debut author Laurie McKay. From the very first chapter I was sold — although I would have liked some more time in Caden’s fantasy realm. (Perhaps in sequels?) And by page 8 there was a dragon sighting! You all know how much I love dragons. So this book had a very promising start. When Caden was transported to Earth and had a run-in with the police, it was equal parts awesome and awkward. Caden has no knowledge of our world, so telling the police his story sounds like complete bogus to them while to Caden it is the truth. Caden’s put into foster care and sent to public school. He has a terrible time adjusting to this new life, but does make friends with his new foster brother Tito and learns to respect their foster mom, Rosa.
Additionally, Brynne, a girl Caden knows from Razzon, also was teleported to Asheville. She’s quite a character, extremely stubborn but also very smart as well as sneaky. (The pink sparkly cell phones… Not very logical, but mad funny!) She is a sorceress, but what she lacks in control she makes up for in power. Caden and Brynne have a hilarious banter, with Tito as the sort of middleman. The trio discover the darker things at work at their school in Asheville while they work to uncover the secrets about and find a missing girl named Jane Chan. I thought that the whole Jane Chan plot-line was strung too thin and not as interesting as the mysteries behind Rath Dunn and Miss Primrose. We learned nothing about Jane until the very end of the book, so as a reader there wasn’t anything to make me care or worry about Jane.
Despite this one complaint I have, Villain Keeper is a hoot, what with Caden’s culture (or rather, world) shock and his personality clashing with other characters. At times I felt like the plot took a while to move along, but the great cast (oh, Sir Horace is wonderful) and Laurie’s engaging writing kept things interesting. I highly recommend Villain Keeper to younger readers, but I am sure that I am not the only 18-year-old who still loves Middle Grade books. ♦
HAVE YOU READ VILLAIN KEEPER?
IF NOT, WOULD YOU WANT TO NOW?
ALSO, WHAT’S A GOOD BOOK YOU’VE READ THAT DROPS CHARACTERS FROM DIFFERENT WORLDS INTO OUR WORLD?
COMMENT BELOW LETTING ME KNOW!
AND, AS ALWAYS, HAPPY READING!
*I received this book from the publisher through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for review consideration. This in no way affects my review; all opinions are my own. Thank you, Harper!
VILLAIN KEEPER BY LAURIE MCKAY (THE LAST DRAGON CHARMER, #1). | MY COPY: ARC, 333 PAGES, HARPER (HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS), RELEASED FEBRUARY 3RD, 2015. | SOURCE: THE PUBLISHER VIA GOODREADS FIRST READS.
THE REVIEW:
Villain Keeper is a fun, charming, magical adventure story about a young prince, Caden, who just wants to finish his quest to slay a dragon and go home to his fantastical world of Razzon. But he’s stuck in Asheville, North Carolina, due to some mysterious dark magic, and finds himself in the middle of a swamp of banished evildoers who take the form of his school teachers and cafeteria workers.
I really enjoyed this Middle Grade novel by debut author Laurie McKay. From the very first chapter I was sold — although I would have liked some more time in Caden’s fantasy realm. (Perhaps in sequels?) And by page 8 there was a dragon sighting! You all know how much I love dragons. So this book had a very promising start. When Caden was transported to Earth and had a run-in with the police, it was equal parts awesome and awkward. Caden has no knowledge of our world, so telling the police his story sounds like complete bogus to them while to Caden it is the truth. Caden’s put into foster care and sent to public school. He has a terrible time adjusting to this new life, but does make friends with his new foster brother Tito and learns to respect their foster mom, Rosa.
Additionally, Brynne, a girl Caden knows from Razzon, also was teleported to Asheville. She’s quite a character, extremely stubborn but also very smart as well as sneaky. (The pink sparkly cell phones… Not very logical, but mad funny!) She is a sorceress, but what she lacks in control she makes up for in power. Caden and Brynne have a hilarious banter, with Tito as the sort of middleman. The trio discover the darker things at work at their school in Asheville while they work to uncover the secrets about and find a missing girl named Jane Chan. I thought that the whole Jane Chan plot-line was strung too thin and not as interesting as the mysteries behind Rath Dunn and Miss Primrose. We learned nothing about Jane until the very end of the book, so as a reader there wasn’t anything to make me care or worry about Jane.
Despite this one complaint I have, Villain Keeper is a hoot, what with Caden’s culture (or rather, world) shock and his personality clashing with other characters. At times I felt like the plot took a while to move along, but the great cast (oh, Sir Horace is wonderful) and Laurie’s engaging writing kept things interesting. I highly recommend Villain Keeper to younger readers, but I am sure that I am not the only 18-year-old who still loves Middle Grade books. ♦
HAVE YOU READ VILLAIN KEEPER?
IF NOT, WOULD YOU WANT TO NOW?
ALSO, WHAT’S A GOOD BOOK YOU’VE READ THAT DROPS CHARACTERS FROM DIFFERENT WORLDS INTO OUR WORLD?
COMMENT BELOW LETTING ME KNOW!
AND, AS ALWAYS, HAPPY READING!
*I received this book from the publisher through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for review consideration. This in no way affects my review; all opinions are my own. Thank you, Harper!
VILLAIN KEEPER BY LAURIE MCKAY (THE LAST DRAGON CHARMER, #1). | MY COPY: ARC, 333 PAGES, HARPER (HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS), RELEASED FEBRUARY 3RD, 2015. | SOURCE: THE PUBLISHER VIA GOODREADS FIRST READS.
January 21, 2015
Laurie McKay’s debut young adult novel VILLAIN KEEPER, the first book in THE LAST DRAGON CHARMER series, is a fast-paced and charming story that introduces Prince Caden and brings the reader into his exciting life, a life where one of his dreams is to slay a dragon. When he finally gets the chance to do so, however, it’s not in his native land of Razzon but, instead, in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina where he’s been transported against his will. Not only does Caden have to quickly adjust to a totally different environment, he also starts to realize that some of the people he meets are not who they say they are.
Caden is part of a large family and used to being royalty so joining a family of kids that are foster children presents a challenge out of the ordinary, but when he discovers that some of the people at his school are “recognizable,” the story becomes even more interesting.
And then we have some magic . . . and an extraordinary horse that battles dragons. Witches and elves and, well, dragons.
Teachers and cafeteria workers and principals are not who they say they are, and foster children aren’t either. The best part of this story are the surprises McKay weaves in to ever plot point.
The tale is not only well-written and complicated with details, but the narrative definitely opens the door to the next book. Don’t skip a page because you’ll miss a valuable detail!
Caden is part of a large family and used to being royalty so joining a family of kids that are foster children presents a challenge out of the ordinary, but when he discovers that some of the people at his school are “recognizable,” the story becomes even more interesting.
And then we have some magic . . . and an extraordinary horse that battles dragons. Witches and elves and, well, dragons.
Teachers and cafeteria workers and principals are not who they say they are, and foster children aren’t either. The best part of this story are the surprises McKay weaves in to ever plot point.
The tale is not only well-written and complicated with details, but the narrative definitely opens the door to the next book. Don’t skip a page because you’ll miss a valuable detail!
May 23, 2015
Caden was a son of King Axel, King of the Razzon Winterlands. He was the youngest sibling, and felt like he had to prove himself. And he planned to do it on his Quest Day to slay a dragon. Suddenly, the king, Caden’s father, wakes him up in the middle of the night saying it is Caden’s time for his quest. Where is the ceremony? Where are the people? Caden quickly runs off into the night. And then, a flash of light, and… Where is he? And why is Brynne, the young sorceress whom hates Caden, there with him? Why is there no magic? And why are there no dragons in this land of Carolina of the North (AKA North Carolina)? This is all too strange!
What I thought- This was a cool book. There is a unique mixture of medieval characters, magical objects, and a modern-day setting. The characters are well-thought out and realistic. They make you feel like you are there with them as they traverse throughout North Carolina. Ms. McKay has a great writing style. It engages you and draws you into the story. I would like to read more of Ms. McKay’s writing. The humor in the book kept me laughing throughout it, as Caden tried to adjust to living in our modern-day dimension. The mystery of the teachers at the school really added a great touch to the overall story. It is a solid start to this new series.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
What I thought- This was a cool book. There is a unique mixture of medieval characters, magical objects, and a modern-day setting. The characters are well-thought out and realistic. They make you feel like you are there with them as they traverse throughout North Carolina. Ms. McKay has a great writing style. It engages you and draws you into the story. I would like to read more of Ms. McKay’s writing. The humor in the book kept me laughing throughout it, as Caden tried to adjust to living in our modern-day dimension. The mystery of the teachers at the school really added a great touch to the overall story. It is a solid start to this new series.
*NOTE* I got a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
March 22, 2015
I've always loved stories that mix this world, with another. Typically for me it's a mixture of people in this world with the Fey living side by side. Here it is a boy, Caden, a king's son actually, with a girl, Brynne, who is a powerful but untrained sorceress, who are both pulled from their own world into ours.
This book is the first in the series The Last Dragon Charmer. Since this is the first book in the series there is a certain amount of "setting the scene" that needs to occur, which is another way of saying that I lost interest in portions of the book. Once the scene was set and the story was underway it captured my interest. I look forward to the day when I can find out more about Ms. Primrose in particular.
A great middle grade read for both boys and girls because of the strengths of the two main characters and the way they banter back and forth. Each having their own strengths and working together in this story to solve the disappearance of Jane Chan, who has a magical ability of her own.
This book is the first in the series The Last Dragon Charmer. Since this is the first book in the series there is a certain amount of "setting the scene" that needs to occur, which is another way of saying that I lost interest in portions of the book. Once the scene was set and the story was underway it captured my interest. I look forward to the day when I can find out more about Ms. Primrose in particular.
A great middle grade read for both boys and girls because of the strengths of the two main characters and the way they banter back and forth. Each having their own strengths and working together in this story to solve the disappearance of Jane Chan, who has a magical ability of her own.
April 15, 2015
I got to read this as part of an ARC tour, but so many people had signed up for the tour that I didn't get it until after the release date. And I can see why it was so popular.
A great adventure with fantastic characters! The action started immediately, the magic system was well developed, and the interactions between the real world and the fantasy world were believable and interesting. I loved it!
A great adventure with fantastic characters! The action started immediately, the magic system was well developed, and the interactions between the real world and the fantasy world were believable and interesting. I loved it!
March 27, 2015
A new book for I'd say 4-7th graders that is the start of a series. A prince and sorceress (both 11 yrs. old) are magically sent to Asheville, NC and trapped there. Some mystery, some adventure, and also some humor as they try to fit into our world. This book could act as a stand-alone, but I personally am interested in what they get up to in the following books.
Read
March 20, 2015My favorite thing about VILLAIN KEEPER was the cast of characters. I enjoyed spending time with Prince Caden--he was delightfully pompous, kind of like Prince Edward from Enchanted--and his friends, Brynne and Tito, were the perfect counterpoints.
June 24, 2015
2.5 - 3.5 stars
This was one of those books where my sister and I disagreed. I always wonder if that is a result of what we just finished reading or just a subtlety of taste that only pokes out every seventy some books?
I liked Caden so much. (Thus the .5 tacked on)
Caden is such an honourable, sweet, earnest young man. Heartbreakingly earnest. He tries so hard to do the right thing. I got the sense that he does not get much affection or approval from his family. He is not brilliantly clever or magically gifted. He fails to understand that telling tales of dragons and magic will only get him labeled as crazy in this world even if they are the truth. He despises lies and is very honest. I liked his relationship with his foster brother Tito and foster guardian Rosa, as well as the mysterious, mercurial Ms. Primrose.
Caden's grief over Chadwin was well handled. It is something that he is dealing with day to day and still processing. I really want to hear more about Caden's mom! Why will no one speak about what happened? More in general about Caden's family. Other than Chadwin, were any of his brothers ever kind to him? They seem as if they despise him. Why??? Because he has a different mother? His dad seemed to also find his gift of speech distasteful and never encouraged him to hone it. Knowing of the gift, he also avoided listening to Caden at all, perhaps worried he might be swayed unduly, but I am sure it came across as neglect and his father shutting him out to Caden.
Tito clearly has a history, is enamored of Jane (please no more tween romances) and reluctantly believes Caden and Brynee, becoming their first ally and a friend through their shared quest to save Jane. He has a somewhat "I am tolerating you because you exasperate me ninety percent of the time" attitude toward Caden. But I can absolutely understand where he is coming from. Not only was this potentially crazy kid dumped on him as a new roommate, he is getting him into all sorts of trouble with the only stable parental figure in his life whom he clearly respects and loves. On top of all that, Caden can be very intense and so focused he is oblivious to other aspects of a situation.
No one in this story has much sympathy for Caden, who has been torn from his home and thrust into an unknown world, who is is still dealing with the murder of his brother, has a fairly love-starved home life and is being threatened by a villain who wishes him fatal harm. Granted, Caden is pretty good about not asking for pity and half of the time people don't actually believe what he does tell them, but I felt sorry for Caden and was proud of how he pushes onward through fear and obstacles.
Jane, the young half-elf enchantress they have to rescue and another of Rosa's foster children, has very little page-time, but she is a motivating factor for most of our characters and I look forward to getting to know about her in book 2. She is going to have to deal with the fact that if she continues to enchant she will die very young - before 20.
Ms. Primrose is a mythical Elderkind from Caden's homeword who has somehow ended up in our world. Either she is the Silver Dragon, beneficent patron of the arts and knowledge, or she is the punishing, vengeful Blue Dragon. Or both? Somehow? Confused there, but I did enjoy her despite my bewilderment as regards her motives. She is very clearly inhuman and I liked how strongly that was maintained , although it could be considered too macabre for some since she does eat several of the teachers and staff (even if they were all "villains") and threatens the children on several occasions. I get the sense she would absolutely follow through on that threat.
Rosa was awesome.
Brynne ... has potential. I want more background and less focus on how gorgeous she is. The incessant reminders of how gorgeous and pretty she is sad and weird because she is only 12. She herself is constantly using magic to accentuate her appearance. I didn't care for that at all.
She is a very volatile and powerful magir user who lacks control and has apparently been orphaned. Where was she living since her parents died? Who was overseeing her education, magical or otherwise? She can be a real brat to Caden, but I cannot fault her overly much for that.
Also, due to her temper and impulse control issues, Brynne has managed to curse Caden with "forced obedience" for two days each month during the waning moon. If she cannot find some way to undo the curse, this could effectively destroy Caden's life and his future since he would always be at such grave risk from being used by his enemies against his family and kingdom.
Bully Derek, as seen in the detention/9-1-1 cell phone scene, has some potential. It would be great to see his character developed more.Perhaps, dare I hope, see him overcome his poor choices and see the error of his ways?
What is rath Dunn plotting with his secret ingredients? I rather assume returning to Razzon for REVENGE, but he could just want to take out Ms. Primrose and wreak havoc here.
Why is so important to him who killed Chadwin?
For that matter, why do all these banished malcontents and evil-doers end up in our world in Asheville, North Carolina? Do the people in Razzon have any idea that they are just dumping their malicious criminals upon an unsuspecting realm? Do they think it is an actual prison?
How did Ms. Primrose end up there? Did she choose to go to keep an eye on the villains?
How long before Brynne and Caden can find a way home?
How did Jane's mom get there assuming she was not a villain?
Will Rosa learn/accept the truth in book 2?
Is that blood knife wound going to cause problems? If Rath Dunn keeps opening it up during class, Rosa is sure to notice.
This was one of those books where my sister and I disagreed. I always wonder if that is a result of what we just finished reading or just a subtlety of taste that only pokes out every seventy some books?
I liked Caden so much. (Thus the .5 tacked on)
Caden is such an honourable, sweet, earnest young man. Heartbreakingly earnest. He tries so hard to do the right thing. I got the sense that he does not get much affection or approval from his family. He is not brilliantly clever or magically gifted. He fails to understand that telling tales of dragons and magic will only get him labeled as crazy in this world even if they are the truth. He despises lies and is very honest. I liked his relationship with his foster brother Tito and foster guardian Rosa, as well as the mysterious, mercurial Ms. Primrose.
Caden's grief over Chadwin was well handled. It is something that he is dealing with day to day and still processing. I really want to hear more about Caden's mom! Why will no one speak about what happened? More in general about Caden's family. Other than Chadwin, were any of his brothers ever kind to him? They seem as if they despise him. Why??? Because he has a different mother? His dad seemed to also find his gift of speech distasteful and never encouraged him to hone it. Knowing of the gift, he also avoided listening to Caden at all, perhaps worried he might be swayed unduly, but I am sure it came across as neglect and his father shutting him out to Caden.
Tito clearly has a history, is enamored of Jane (please no more tween romances) and reluctantly believes Caden and Brynee, becoming their first ally and a friend through their shared quest to save Jane. He has a somewhat "I am tolerating you because you exasperate me ninety percent of the time" attitude toward Caden. But I can absolutely understand where he is coming from. Not only was this potentially crazy kid dumped on him as a new roommate, he is getting him into all sorts of trouble with the only stable parental figure in his life whom he clearly respects and loves. On top of all that, Caden can be very intense and so focused he is oblivious to other aspects of a situation.
No one in this story has much sympathy for Caden, who has been torn from his home and thrust into an unknown world, who is is still dealing with the murder of his brother, has a fairly love-starved home life and is being threatened by a villain who wishes him fatal harm. Granted, Caden is pretty good about not asking for pity and half of the time people don't actually believe what he does tell them, but I felt sorry for Caden and was proud of how he pushes onward through fear and obstacles.
Jane, the young half-elf enchantress they have to rescue and another of Rosa's foster children, has very little page-time, but she is a motivating factor for most of our characters and I look forward to getting to know about her in book 2. She is going to have to deal with the fact that if she continues to enchant she will die very young - before 20.
Ms. Primrose is a mythical Elderkind from Caden's homeword who has somehow ended up in our world. Either she is the Silver Dragon, beneficent patron of the arts and knowledge, or she is the punishing, vengeful Blue Dragon. Or both? Somehow? Confused there, but I did enjoy her despite my bewilderment as regards her motives. She is very clearly inhuman and I liked how strongly that was maintained , although it could be considered too macabre for some since she does eat several of the teachers and staff (even if they were all "villains") and threatens the children on several occasions. I get the sense she would absolutely follow through on that threat.
Rosa was awesome.
Brynne ... has potential. I want more background and less focus on how gorgeous she is. The incessant reminders of how gorgeous and pretty she is sad and weird because she is only 12. She herself is constantly using magic to accentuate her appearance. I didn't care for that at all.
She is a very volatile and powerful magir user who lacks control and has apparently been orphaned. Where was she living since her parents died? Who was overseeing her education, magical or otherwise? She can be a real brat to Caden, but I cannot fault her overly much for that.
Also, due to her temper and impulse control issues, Brynne has managed to curse Caden with "forced obedience" for two days each month during the waning moon. If she cannot find some way to undo the curse, this could effectively destroy Caden's life and his future since he would always be at such grave risk from being used by his enemies against his family and kingdom.
Bully Derek, as seen in the detention/9-1-1 cell phone scene, has some potential. It would be great to see his character developed more.Perhaps, dare I hope, see him overcome his poor choices and see the error of his ways?
What is rath Dunn plotting with his secret ingredients? I rather assume returning to Razzon for REVENGE, but he could just want to take out Ms. Primrose and wreak havoc here.
Why is so important to him who killed Chadwin?
For that matter, why do all these banished malcontents and evil-doers end up in our world in Asheville, North Carolina? Do the people in Razzon have any idea that they are just dumping their malicious criminals upon an unsuspecting realm? Do they think it is an actual prison?
How did Ms. Primrose end up there? Did she choose to go to keep an eye on the villains?
How long before Brynne and Caden can find a way home?
How did Jane's mom get there assuming she was not a villain?
Will Rosa learn/accept the truth in book 2?
Is that blood knife wound going to cause problems? If Rath Dunn keeps opening it up during class, Rosa is sure to notice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2017
Villain Keeper by Laurie McKay is the first book of The Last Dragon Charmer series. Prince Caden wants to be an Elite Paladin, but his father, King Axel, sends Caden away and Caden isn't sure why his father would do that without having the Elite Paladin ceremony. He ends up in Asheville, North Carolina with Brynne, a sorceress, and his horse Sir Horace.
This was a fun story. Fast paced and imaginative. I can't wait to read the next installment!
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and all opinions are my own.
This was a fun story. Fast paced and imaginative. I can't wait to read the next installment!
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and all opinions are my own.
March 3, 2017
AWESOME!
SO COOL!
SO LIT!
BEST BOOK EVER!
SO MYSTERIOUS! :)
SO COOL!
SO LIT!
BEST BOOK EVER!
SO MYSTERIOUS! :)
August 5, 2018
Spoilers galore!!
Villain Keeper by Laurie McKay follows the story of young prince Caden, the sorceress Brynne, and Caden’s powerful steed, Sir Horace, as they are pulled from the Kingdom of Razzon through a magical portal and land in modern-day Asheville, North Carolina. Caden and Brynne find themselves on a quest to locate a missing girl in addition to trying to find their own way back home. Villain Keeper is a middle-grade book and probably a good fit for elementary schoolers as well, so it’s not my typical read; in the end, though, I’m glad that I gave it a go because it ended up being one of my favorite books from this month’s library haul.
Everything about this book is wholesome and pure-hearted. The protagonists are twelve but try to act older and more mature, and it’s the funniest thing. Their schemes go exactly the way you’d expect for schemes by twelve-year olds to go… except one of these twelve-year olds is a prince and the other is a powerful sorceress, leading to situations such as
Villain Keeper is written in the simplistic language typical of books for younger audiences, but it uses its restricted vocabulary to deliver the most adorable humor. Following the aforementioned events in which
One of my favorite things about this book is how absolutely confused Caden is by Asheville and the way the world works on this strange Earth. Why can’t he live by himself on the mountain? Why can’t he keep his sword? Why is he expected to share his room with a peasant? Why doesn’t anyone have a horse and what are these metal “car” things? But Caden is a polite and good prince so he sits and suffers through their strange customs. His serious attitude and inability to comprehend the fact that this is a universe in which magic, dragons, kings, queens and sorcerers don’t exist results in a lot of shenanigans, especially when Brynne is added to the mix.
Brynne is your typical twelve year old girl. A lot of the things she does in the book can be construed as impractical and dumb, but again: these kids are middle schoolers. They’re not the smartest bunch. Brynne, in particular, is prone to impulsivity: The thing that redeems Brynne is how apologetic she is and her usefulness in other circumstances; she’s integral to the search for Jane Chan and is more easily able to settle into North Carolina than Caden. She’s the one who I really appreciate that Ms. McKay gave Brynne an equally enormous part in the story to Caden; it would have been easy to write her off as a side character and present her as a plot device, but Ms. McKay did the right thing and gave Brynne the screentime (booktime?) she deserves.
Same with Tito – he’s a support character like Brynne, but he’s also intrinsic to the story. Tito’s been living with Rosa for awhile, and his main goal is finding Jane Chan. His first impression of Caden is that the boy is crazy – as are many people’s impressions of him – but he slowly starts to realize that there’s a truth to Caden’s supposed delusions, and that maybe he shouldn’t be writing him off. Tito’s the practical one, the one who kind of voices the reader and steps in during plans to get explanations as to how magic works and how Caden and Brynne are able to do what they do. I also really liked how he’s characterized as this kid who has all the makings of a future hothead: Rather, everything he does is done to either make Rosa proud, or to help Jane. His friendship with Caden is great. They’re so bewildered by one another but they’ve got each other’s backs.
Additionally, the whole presentation of Asheville and the teachers at Caden’s middle school is very well done. We get an inkling that there’s something weird going on when Caden identifies his math teacher as There’s this undertone of creepiness that really pervades the chapters that take place in school and it’s great for increasing the reader’s sense of tension. Another thing is that even though I’m interested to see whether these antagonists will turn into anti-heroes; they could end up being very multidimensional.
I’m so excited to read the next two books – Villain Keeper is part of a trilogy and I’ve already got its sequels on hold. I’m really hoping to learn more about Caden’s brothers and Brynne’s parents, and I’m excited to see I’d totally recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something simple and fun; it only took me about a day to read and I laughed the entire time! Also, if you liked Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde, you’ll definitely enjoy this book.
Villain Keeper by Laurie McKay follows the story of young prince Caden, the sorceress Brynne, and Caden’s powerful steed, Sir Horace, as they are pulled from the Kingdom of Razzon through a magical portal and land in modern-day Asheville, North Carolina. Caden and Brynne find themselves on a quest to locate a missing girl in addition to trying to find their own way back home. Villain Keeper is a middle-grade book and probably a good fit for elementary schoolers as well, so it’s not my typical read; in the end, though, I’m glad that I gave it a go because it ended up being one of my favorite books from this month’s library haul.
Everything about this book is wholesome and pure-hearted. The protagonists are twelve but try to act older and more mature, and it’s the funniest thing. Their schemes go exactly the way you’d expect for schemes by twelve-year olds to go… except one of these twelve-year olds is a prince and the other is a powerful sorceress, leading to situations such as
Villain Keeper is written in the simplistic language typical of books for younger audiences, but it uses its restricted vocabulary to deliver the most adorable humor. Following the aforementioned events in which
One of my favorite things about this book is how absolutely confused Caden is by Asheville and the way the world works on this strange Earth. Why can’t he live by himself on the mountain? Why can’t he keep his sword? Why is he expected to share his room with a peasant? Why doesn’t anyone have a horse and what are these metal “car” things? But Caden is a polite and good prince so he sits and suffers through their strange customs. His serious attitude and inability to comprehend the fact that this is a universe in which magic, dragons, kings, queens and sorcerers don’t exist results in a lot of shenanigans, especially when Brynne is added to the mix.
Brynne is your typical twelve year old girl. A lot of the things she does in the book can be construed as impractical and dumb, but again: these kids are middle schoolers. They’re not the smartest bunch. Brynne, in particular, is prone to impulsivity: The thing that redeems Brynne is how apologetic she is and her usefulness in other circumstances; she’s integral to the search for Jane Chan and is more easily able to settle into North Carolina than Caden. She’s the one who I really appreciate that Ms. McKay gave Brynne an equally enormous part in the story to Caden; it would have been easy to write her off as a side character and present her as a plot device, but Ms. McKay did the right thing and gave Brynne the screentime (booktime?) she deserves.
Same with Tito – he’s a support character like Brynne, but he’s also intrinsic to the story. Tito’s been living with Rosa for awhile, and his main goal is finding Jane Chan. His first impression of Caden is that the boy is crazy – as are many people’s impressions of him – but he slowly starts to realize that there’s a truth to Caden’s supposed delusions, and that maybe he shouldn’t be writing him off. Tito’s the practical one, the one who kind of voices the reader and steps in during plans to get explanations as to how magic works and how Caden and Brynne are able to do what they do. I also really liked how he’s characterized as this kid who has all the makings of a future hothead: Rather, everything he does is done to either make Rosa proud, or to help Jane. His friendship with Caden is great. They’re so bewildered by one another but they’ve got each other’s backs.
Additionally, the whole presentation of Asheville and the teachers at Caden’s middle school is very well done. We get an inkling that there’s something weird going on when Caden identifies his math teacher as There’s this undertone of creepiness that really pervades the chapters that take place in school and it’s great for increasing the reader’s sense of tension. Another thing is that even though I’m interested to see whether these antagonists will turn into anti-heroes; they could end up being very multidimensional.
I’m so excited to read the next two books – Villain Keeper is part of a trilogy and I’ve already got its sequels on hold. I’m really hoping to learn more about Caden’s brothers and Brynne’s parents, and I’m excited to see I’d totally recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something simple and fun; it only took me about a day to read and I laughed the entire time! Also, if you liked Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde, you’ll definitely enjoy this book.
June 20, 2015
2.5 stars.
This reminded me strongly of Dark Lord: The Early Years, except for that I never questioned Caden's sanity, like I did with Dirk, and also I enjoyed this one quite a bit more.
This reminded me strongly of Dark Lord: The Early Years, except for that I never questioned Caden's sanity, like I did with Dirk, and also I enjoyed this one quite a bit more.
February 15, 2016
Cadon, the eighth son of King Axel of Razzon, a magical land of elves, dragons and magic. He is sent on a quest to slay a dragon and earn him the title of Elite Paladin. He falls through a portal with his mighty steed, Sir Horace, and an annoying sorcerress, Brynne, landing in Asheville, NC. An ordinary town in an ordinary world. He and Brynne must figure out a way back to their home, but all is not as it seems in Asheville and he and Brynne must join forces to find the missing girl and figure out what is going on at school.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I'm really picky about giving them.
The plot is interesting, the characters well developed, and the pacing is good, plenty of action. I'm a big fan of well constructed sentences, not the short, choppy style of many writers. The other hook for me having visited Asheville was the contrary plot of having magic visit the ordinary world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I'm really picky about giving them.
The plot is interesting, the characters well developed, and the pacing is good, plenty of action. I'm a big fan of well constructed sentences, not the short, choppy style of many writers. The other hook for me having visited Asheville was the contrary plot of having magic visit the ordinary world.
August 18, 2015
Goodreads Hardcover Signed Win
A young prince is set on a quest to kill dragon by his father the King in the middle of the night but it turns out more than he could imagine.
Prince Caden finds himself in a different world and not knowing how to return him. He is befriended by his foster brother in a place where neither magic nor dragons exist. But all is not right since the school he attends the teachers who has been banished in his world and one teacher who tried to kill his father and family.
The mysterious disappearance of another foster child at the time of his appearance in this world and a good friend to his foster brother makes things even more suspicious as they seek the missing girl before it is too late.
It is a journey of friendship and the quest of dragons thrown in the mix. For fans of dragons and quests, they will enjoy the story.
A young prince is set on a quest to kill dragon by his father the King in the middle of the night but it turns out more than he could imagine.
Prince Caden finds himself in a different world and not knowing how to return him. He is befriended by his foster brother in a place where neither magic nor dragons exist. But all is not right since the school he attends the teachers who has been banished in his world and one teacher who tried to kill his father and family.
The mysterious disappearance of another foster child at the time of his appearance in this world and a good friend to his foster brother makes things even more suspicious as they seek the missing girl before it is too late.
It is a journey of friendship and the quest of dragons thrown in the mix. For fans of dragons and quests, they will enjoy the story.
July 20, 2015
Caden is the 8th born prince of Razzon. His father sends him on a quest to kill a dragon in order to become an Elite Paladin like his brother before him. But along the way, Caden finds himself snagged in magic that transports him to....Ashville, North Carolina. But everything is not as it seems in Ashville. The sworn enemy if his people is teaching math at the local school and a mysterious "she" is controlling villains from many different realms. Caden must work to find the truth so he can get back to his realm and save his people.
This book is fantastic. It's funny and endearing with lots of action to get kids interested. A great Harry Potter read-alike. Highly recommended for ages 10+
This book is fantastic. It's funny and endearing with lots of action to get kids interested. A great Harry Potter read-alike. Highly recommended for ages 10+
March 27, 2015
This is such a fun read for kids (both girls and boys) and adults. It’s charming, fast paced and witty. There is plenty of mystery, magic and adventure with just the right amount of angst. The main characters are believable and endearing. It's a quick read with a satisfying ending leaving you anxious for book 2.
May 25, 2015
It took awhile to get into this book, but once I did, I couldn't put it down.
June 16, 2015
Planning on adding this new series to our school library this fall.
September 17, 2015
This was fast-paced and a lot of fun! Can't wait for the next one!
January 1, 2018
Creative and entertaining, this book perfectly met the goals of the genre.
I liked that the dragons that were slain were not truly beings of flesh - clearly they were meant not to be more than manifestations of forces, and therefore had no mind or feelings or real consciousness - and hence I could forgive this merciless hunt for them somewhat (I'm a big fan of the My Father's Dragon series).
The story was interesting, the characters were in-depth, and it kept me reading.
Of course, like basically every book in the genre, it was completely implausible. It also lacked SO much backstory. I honestly would have loved a book about his brothers' exploits, the queen, and especially Chadwin. However, I'm aware that it is a series, so I may have to take a trip to the bookstore to see if my wishes have already been granted. I also liked that the characters were capable - nothing kills a book for me more than the urge to scream the correct decisions at the main characters. Some mistakes are key to the plot, but if your characters just never catch on it gets really frustrating. This book's main characters didn't really have that, so that's an automatic bonus. However, the villains did - and while I understand that having a happy ending basically requires a mistake on the villain's part in a hero-vs-villain type of story, it's still hard to give it a great recommendation when even one of the characters feels flat, even if there are sequels to beef up said character.
I liked that the dragons that were slain were not truly beings of flesh - clearly they were meant not to be more than manifestations of forces, and therefore had no mind or feelings or real consciousness - and hence I could forgive this merciless hunt for them somewhat (I'm a big fan of the My Father's Dragon series).
The story was interesting, the characters were in-depth, and it kept me reading.
Of course, like basically every book in the genre, it was completely implausible. It also lacked SO much backstory. I honestly would have loved a book about his brothers' exploits, the queen, and especially Chadwin. However, I'm aware that it is a series, so I may have to take a trip to the bookstore to see if my wishes have already been granted. I also liked that the characters were capable - nothing kills a book for me more than the urge to scream the correct decisions at the main characters. Some mistakes are key to the plot, but if your characters just never catch on it gets really frustrating. This book's main characters didn't really have that, so that's an automatic bonus. However, the villains did - and while I understand that having a happy ending basically requires a mistake on the villain's part in a hero-vs-villain type of story, it's still hard to give it a great recommendation when even one of the characters feels flat, even if there are sequels to beef up said character.
March 21, 2024
This book is so much fun. The idea of a city in our world being the villain depository of another is hilarious, and turning the most evil folks into school officials is just right for the audience. I enjoyed the characters who meant well but had limitations--whether they had too much magic to yield, no sword, or didn't believe in magical creatures. And that applied to adults, too, the ones who want to help but don't understand the challenges of dragons and cursed items.
So, yes, overall a fun read with a good sense of humor to it!
So, yes, overall a fun read with a good sense of humor to it!
February 4, 2018
Surprisingly good for a potentially cheesy premise. Looking forward to the next installment. Strong male and female characters, great location and description, amusing dialogue, limited details keep the pacing fast and exciting. Clearly J lit, but very engaging, with some great discussion points.
June 15, 2018
Now this was well done! This was a great story; good, solid characters; good motivation, dialogue; the complete package. Well done! Middle-grade authors take note! This is how it's done! Can't wait to read the next one!
February 19, 2017
Cute mystery, interesting world building.
May 25, 2017
An absurd tale. The book is not even acceptable for young readers, as it would probably turn them against fantasies and, perhaps even reading.
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