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Roar #4
Farshore Dragon Riders of Roar.
Siblings Rose and Arthur adore their imaginary world of Roar, concealed within a folding camp bed in their grandad's attic. When they can't access Roar, Rose pens tales about it, creating the Dragonlands, a realm filled with fierce dragons and rumored witch clans. She crafts a school for young Dragon Riders, naturally casting herself as the top pupil. Upon reading Rose's story, Arthur feels left out, leading to a dispute that results in the story being thrust into the camp bed, where it magically comes to life. Now, Rose, Arthur, and Win must hasten to the Dragonlands, enroll at Dragon Rider Academy, and halt the calamity they've unleashed. But do they possess the skills to become Dragon Riders, and can Arthur endure a term at a school invented by his sister?
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About the author
Jenny McLachlan
53 books304 followersI have always loved reading and I studied English at university just so that I could read a bit more. Next I found my way into secondary teaching and discovered that I loved it too: I got to read more books, show off and hang out with very funny teenagers. What a great job!
Teaching English also encouraged me to write. Soon I had planned and started lots of different stories, but they were all abandoned and shoved to the back of a drawer. Then, one day, the plot for Flirty Dancing came together; Bea’s story was so alive it was like a film running in my head and I knew it was a story I would finish.
Over the next few years, various exciting events distracted me from Flirty Dancing: I got married, travelled the world, was chased by an angry elephant (and a pack of dogs) and I had two babies. While I was sitting on trains, swimming in the Outback and raising two crazy girls, I kept thinking about Bea, and her friends, Betty, Kat and Pearl, until I realised I had planned three more books.
In 2013, after attending the Winchester Writers’ Festival, I plucked up the courage to send Flirty Dancing to Julia Churchill, a brilliant children’s fiction agent at A.M. Heath. With dazzling speed I was then signed by Bloomsbury to write the four books in the series.
Teaching English also encouraged me to write. Soon I had planned and started lots of different stories, but they were all abandoned and shoved to the back of a drawer. Then, one day, the plot for Flirty Dancing came together; Bea’s story was so alive it was like a film running in my head and I knew it was a story I would finish.
Over the next few years, various exciting events distracted me from Flirty Dancing: I got married, travelled the world, was chased by an angry elephant (and a pack of dogs) and I had two babies. While I was sitting on trains, swimming in the Outback and raising two crazy girls, I kept thinking about Bea, and her friends, Betty, Kat and Pearl, until I realised I had planned three more books.
In 2013, after attending the Winchester Writers’ Festival, I plucked up the courage to send Flirty Dancing to Julia Churchill, a brilliant children’s fiction agent at A.M. Heath. With dazzling speed I was then signed by Bloomsbury to write the four books in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 19, 2025
Konečně něco co nezklamalo.
March 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this exciting and gripping book. I love the Roar series!
November 10, 2024
I was completely gutted by the end of #TheLandofRoar trilogy, so when #DragonRidersofRoar showed up in the mail, I wasn’t sure how to feel. But oh wow—this book might actually surpass the original series. I know, it's hard to believe, but it’s true!
While this one is a bit longer than #TheLandofRoar, it’s also more action-packed and features a much richer world with plenty of new magical creatures, including some much bigger dragons. The school setting is such a fun addition; I loved seeing the characters in classes and navigating the school’s mysteries. Arthur’s journey through his classes is full of struggles, but he never gives up. He’s constantly challenged but stays true to his values, which is what makes him such an amazing protagonist.
Speaking of Arthur, I think McLachlan made the best choice by focusing on him as the main character. He’s relatable, with the perfect balance of fear and bravery. His flaws, such as his clumsiness and mischievous moments, make him feel real. He also has these hilarious sarcastic moments that had me cracking up (I totally got him!).
The plot is packed with suspense and surprises, especially when Rose’s story starts coming to life in unexpected ways. I was genuinely freaked out by the villain and the whole idea of changelings, who swap out real people with something else—and you never know who’s really who. It’s creepy in the best way possible!
The story reinforces the idea that McLachlan just keeps getting better and better as a writer. The pacing, the twists, and the world-building are all fantastic.
There’s also a subtle but important message about characters like Arthur, who may seem fearful or unsure at first, but end up showing bravery in unexpected ways. It’s a lesson I think young readers can really relate to—sometimes, even when you feel like you’re the “coward,” you might just have the most fire inside you.
While this one is a bit longer than #TheLandofRoar, it’s also more action-packed and features a much richer world with plenty of new magical creatures, including some much bigger dragons. The school setting is such a fun addition; I loved seeing the characters in classes and navigating the school’s mysteries. Arthur’s journey through his classes is full of struggles, but he never gives up. He’s constantly challenged but stays true to his values, which is what makes him such an amazing protagonist.
Speaking of Arthur, I think McLachlan made the best choice by focusing on him as the main character. He’s relatable, with the perfect balance of fear and bravery. His flaws, such as his clumsiness and mischievous moments, make him feel real. He also has these hilarious sarcastic moments that had me cracking up (I totally got him!).
The plot is packed with suspense and surprises, especially when Rose’s story starts coming to life in unexpected ways. I was genuinely freaked out by the villain and the whole idea of changelings, who swap out real people with something else—and you never know who’s really who. It’s creepy in the best way possible!
The story reinforces the idea that McLachlan just keeps getting better and better as a writer. The pacing, the twists, and the world-building are all fantastic.
There’s also a subtle but important message about characters like Arthur, who may seem fearful or unsure at first, but end up showing bravery in unexpected ways. It’s a lesson I think young readers can really relate to—sometimes, even when you feel like you’re the “coward,” you might just have the most fire inside you.
March 12, 2025
March 2025: Dragon Riders of Roar
Twins Arthur and Rose were supposed to return to Roar for their cruise trip with their friends Win and Mitch. However, a strange event occurred when Mitch suddenly went missing.
They soon discovered that everything was happening according to what Rose had written in her yellow book. The twins had to search for Mitch at the Dragon Riders Academy (DRAc).
Their journey to DRAc ultimately led them to become new students there. DRAc seemed like an exciting place to study, with awesome subjects offered as well.
They eventually learned that Jago Skua, the Witch King, was still alive and had kidnapped their baby cousin, Lila. The thrilling journey to the north, where bigger, angrier dragons lie, begins to find the hiding place of Jago Skua.
🔥🔥
What an experience! I had to brace myself to read about scaly dragons (which look like reptiles, and I'm not particularly fond of them), but this book completely hooked me with its intriguing and heart-racing plots. You might notice that the cover is different from the published version because this is an uncorrected proof copy that I received earlier but just finished today—sorry about the delay!
There's so much to discuss in this book, especially since this is the fourth instalment in the series. I can tell that Jenny has unleashed her boundless imagination and creativity in this writing.
My favourite character has to be Arthur, the narrator himself. He thinks logically, possesses a great sense of humour, and shows true brotherly spirit when he bravely confronts Jago Skua in the fight scenes.
It's an enjoyable read, and it definitely makes me want to explore the previous books as well. Be sure to check out this book and the entire Roar series at your local bookstores. Thank you, @definitelybookskids for this copy!
Twins Arthur and Rose were supposed to return to Roar for their cruise trip with their friends Win and Mitch. However, a strange event occurred when Mitch suddenly went missing.
They soon discovered that everything was happening according to what Rose had written in her yellow book. The twins had to search for Mitch at the Dragon Riders Academy (DRAc).
Their journey to DRAc ultimately led them to become new students there. DRAc seemed like an exciting place to study, with awesome subjects offered as well.
They eventually learned that Jago Skua, the Witch King, was still alive and had kidnapped their baby cousin, Lila. The thrilling journey to the north, where bigger, angrier dragons lie, begins to find the hiding place of Jago Skua.
🔥🔥
What an experience! I had to brace myself to read about scaly dragons (which look like reptiles, and I'm not particularly fond of them), but this book completely hooked me with its intriguing and heart-racing plots. You might notice that the cover is different from the published version because this is an uncorrected proof copy that I received earlier but just finished today—sorry about the delay!
There's so much to discuss in this book, especially since this is the fourth instalment in the series. I can tell that Jenny has unleashed her boundless imagination and creativity in this writing.
My favourite character has to be Arthur, the narrator himself. He thinks logically, possesses a great sense of humour, and shows true brotherly spirit when he bravely confronts Jago Skua in the fight scenes.
It's an enjoyable read, and it definitely makes me want to explore the previous books as well. Be sure to check out this book and the entire Roar series at your local bookstores. Thank you, @definitelybookskids for this copy!
February 11, 2025
I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
I was so excited to learn that there was another book coming in the Roar series and DRAGON RIDERS OF ROAR does not disappoint.
This instalment brings magical schools into the world of Roar, complete with deadly trials and something sinister happening under the surface. I loved how Rose invented it to match the typical sort of school in these stories - different houses, challenges - and that it rather backfires. Arthur points out how little practice they get before challenges and so on. It was a nice way to both celebrate and pick holes in a beloved fantasy trope.
This school is Rose's invention, so it's designed around her. She's special and popular and clever, and Arthur is not. As a critique of self inserts and imagining yourself into fiction, it was a lot of fun but it was also nice to play with the chosen one and underdog tropes too.
The invention of the magic school also allows the world of Roar to expand. We've spent three books in the same land so know it well, and the story of the characters there have played themselves out (it's why initially there were only three books.) This new addition, which fits perfectly into the lore of the twins creating the magical world, gives the series new space for adventures.
I hope we get more tales after this one - I really loved getting to return.
I was so excited to learn that there was another book coming in the Roar series and DRAGON RIDERS OF ROAR does not disappoint.
This instalment brings magical schools into the world of Roar, complete with deadly trials and something sinister happening under the surface. I loved how Rose invented it to match the typical sort of school in these stories - different houses, challenges - and that it rather backfires. Arthur points out how little practice they get before challenges and so on. It was a nice way to both celebrate and pick holes in a beloved fantasy trope.
This school is Rose's invention, so it's designed around her. She's special and popular and clever, and Arthur is not. As a critique of self inserts and imagining yourself into fiction, it was a lot of fun but it was also nice to play with the chosen one and underdog tropes too.
The invention of the magic school also allows the world of Roar to expand. We've spent three books in the same land so know it well, and the story of the characters there have played themselves out (it's why initially there were only three books.) This new addition, which fits perfectly into the lore of the twins creating the magical world, gives the series new space for adventures.
I hope we get more tales after this one - I really loved getting to return.
January 31, 2025
Wow.
If this is your first first into ROAR then you are in for a real treat.
If you have read Land of ROAR, & others, then let me tell you this is Imaginary!
The twins are all set to go to ROAR as they are staying at Grandad's. But another relative turns up with their baby cousin in tow.
Rose has been busy in her book & is excited to go, but after an argument, Arthur has his vengeance in an unusual way thinking it will be nothing.
I don't want to ruin it. An incredible adventure that had me racing with them with a heart full of fire as a cascade of chaos was unleashed.
I love this series so much and can't wait for readers to discover Dragons, as there is so much more to ROAR than the twins ever thought.
If this is your first first into ROAR then you are in for a real treat.
If you have read Land of ROAR, & others, then let me tell you this is Imaginary!
The twins are all set to go to ROAR as they are staying at Grandad's. But another relative turns up with their baby cousin in tow.
Rose has been busy in her book & is excited to go, but after an argument, Arthur has his vengeance in an unusual way thinking it will be nothing.
I don't want to ruin it. An incredible adventure that had me racing with them with a heart full of fire as a cascade of chaos was unleashed.
I love this series so much and can't wait for readers to discover Dragons, as there is so much more to ROAR than the twins ever thought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
I read this book with my ten-year-old who is a big fan of the original Roar series and it did not disappoint!
In this spin off from the original series, we follow main characters Arthur and Rose as they discover another land in Roar and enroll at the Dragon Riders Academy (DRAc for short). Written with the same wit and imagination as the original series, this is a Narnia for the younger generation. While you could probably read this as a standalone, I would still recommend reading the original series to get the background on the characters and how the universe works.
A recommended read for fans of the Land of Roar, Narnia, and imaginary worlds.
Thank you to Netgalley and Farshore for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In this spin off from the original series, we follow main characters Arthur and Rose as they discover another land in Roar and enroll at the Dragon Riders Academy (DRAc for short). Written with the same wit and imagination as the original series, this is a Narnia for the younger generation. While you could probably read this as a standalone, I would still recommend reading the original series to get the background on the characters and how the universe works.
A recommended read for fans of the Land of Roar, Narnia, and imaginary worlds.
Thank you to Netgalley and Farshore for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2025
Marvellous middle grade fantasy adventure. You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
April 18, 2025
Loved the previous books. But this one was unnecessary.
Not just that, but for long stretches it was clearly just filling in for length. And then there was the Harry Potter shameful cloning.
Should’ve left it as a trilogy.
Not just that, but for long stretches it was clearly just filling in for length. And then there was the Harry Potter shameful cloning.
Should’ve left it as a trilogy.
November 11, 2025
This is the last of a 4 books series that I have read to my 9 year old son. We have both loved them and would highly recommend them to anyone. It really makes you think about how soon children lose their imaginations.
April 5, 2025
Absolutely in love with this series 💕
May 17, 2025
This was my favorite book of the series. All my boys agreed! Ages 10, 8, and 5 (but he slept through most of it)
June 3, 2025
I absolutely loved and enjoyed this book very much. It was so exciting and adventurous and amazing. The characters in the book were included. Bal love this book so much 🌷
June 15, 2025
LOVE!!
January 6, 2025
I absolutely loved being back in the land of Roar with its bad guys, dragons and old friends. It was so lovely to go on a new adventure, meet new friends and discover the world of DRAC. Jenny is just a wonder! I can’t wait for the next one too!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews