What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
5 days and 22:08:12
30 copies available
U.S. only
George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting Legend
Win a free print copy of this book!
5 days and 22:08:12
30 copies available
U.S. only
The world’s most legendary dragon slayer, St. George, gets a bold, modern reimagining in this explosive beginning to the Order of the Dragon Slayer series—launching a ragtag band of Scouts into a hidden world of ancient beasts, buried secrets, and destinies forged in dragon fire.
“ This adventure is full of danger. It’s got dragons and death, coal mines and cold-blooded killers, treasure and true love—the stuff legends are made of. But even more dangerous are the kids in this tale. They’re tough. They’re brave. And they’re exactly the kind of heroes our world needs.” —from the foreword by Chief World Scouting Ambassador Bear Grylls
Everyone in Big Mountain, West Virginia, knows entering the coal mines is strictly forbidden. But twelve-year-old George Goodwin knows something more—deep underground lies a treasure that could save his town and clear his father’s name.
When his Scouting troop heads out for a weekend camping trip, George secretly recruits his best friends, Skunks and Artie, on a quest to find proof. But their plans unravel when they collide with George’s camera-wielding nemesis, Clementine, and her pageant-queen sister, Flo—and the motley crew is pulled into the adventure of a lifetime.
They’ll need every ounce of courage—and every trick in the Scouting handbook—to survive! Collapsing tunnels. Ruthless thieves. Dynamite traps. And a fire-breathing monster with a hunger to devour mankind . . . starting with them!
Full of unexpected thrills, rebellious hope, and laugh-out-loud humor, New York Times bestselling authors Candace Lee and Eric Newman deliver a blazing new adventure starring an unlikely hero who’s about to become the next great legend.
“ This adventure is full of danger. It’s got dragons and death, coal mines and cold-blooded killers, treasure and true love—the stuff legends are made of. But even more dangerous are the kids in this tale. They’re tough. They’re brave. And they’re exactly the kind of heroes our world needs.” —from the foreword by Chief World Scouting Ambassador Bear Grylls
Everyone in Big Mountain, West Virginia, knows entering the coal mines is strictly forbidden. But twelve-year-old George Goodwin knows something more—deep underground lies a treasure that could save his town and clear his father’s name.
When his Scouting troop heads out for a weekend camping trip, George secretly recruits his best friends, Skunks and Artie, on a quest to find proof. But their plans unravel when they collide with George’s camera-wielding nemesis, Clementine, and her pageant-queen sister, Flo—and the motley crew is pulled into the adventure of a lifetime.
They’ll need every ounce of courage—and every trick in the Scouting handbook—to survive! Collapsing tunnels. Ruthless thieves. Dynamite traps. And a fire-breathing monster with a hunger to devour mankind . . . starting with them!
Full of unexpected thrills, rebellious hope, and laugh-out-loud humor, New York Times bestselling authors Candace Lee and Eric Newman deliver a blazing new adventure starring an unlikely hero who’s about to become the next great legend.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 8, 2026
What worked:
This book is reminiscent of the movie, “The Goonies”? This book also has a group of local kids venturing underground, looking for hidden treasure. Thieves race to flee the abandoned mine taking diamonds that could be used to save the dying town. George’s main goal is to clear the disgraced memories of his father, since his dad was blamed for the deaths of other miners. The other kids follow him into the mine with thoughts of becoming rich, but they become trapped and must follow a map to get out. The tunnels are difficult and treacherous, and there are natural obstacles just waiting to bring tons of rocks falling onto the kids. Oh, there’s also a dragon looking for its next meal.
Readers can learn about West Virginia and the importance of coal mining to the people living there. The people are prideful, but they know the dangers of working in the mines. Many towns are abandoned when the coal runs out, and Big Mountain is slowly becoming the next casualty. The narrow tunnels are reinforced to offer support, and George wishes this mine had been lined with limestone to prevent the spread of fires. The kids learn that a blocked exit can mean death, since the only other way out is on the other side of the mountain.
The plot will certainly satisfy any readers with a need for action or fighting scenes. The dragon attacks are relentless, and readers discover it won’t stop searching for George until it kills him. Lulls in the action give a false impression that things are okay, only to have the dragon rear its terrifying face again. To complicate things further, thieves are roaming the tunnels, so readers can expect them to pop up. One of them is crazy enough to destroy the whole mountain, even if the kids are still inside the mine.
What didn’t work as well:
There’s a Scottish man named Rowland who can see into the future. He adds humor and predictions of events to come, but his ability doesn’t immediately make sense. The book begins with a realistic tone, and the existence of a dragon is strange enough. The kids use scouting skills, but there’s no hint that some humans will have superpowers.
The final verdict:
This story is a flat-out action adventure, as George and his friends battle a dragon that is determined to kill them. I recommend you give this book a shot.
This book is reminiscent of the movie, “The Goonies”? This book also has a group of local kids venturing underground, looking for hidden treasure. Thieves race to flee the abandoned mine taking diamonds that could be used to save the dying town. George’s main goal is to clear the disgraced memories of his father, since his dad was blamed for the deaths of other miners. The other kids follow him into the mine with thoughts of becoming rich, but they become trapped and must follow a map to get out. The tunnels are difficult and treacherous, and there are natural obstacles just waiting to bring tons of rocks falling onto the kids. Oh, there’s also a dragon looking for its next meal.
Readers can learn about West Virginia and the importance of coal mining to the people living there. The people are prideful, but they know the dangers of working in the mines. Many towns are abandoned when the coal runs out, and Big Mountain is slowly becoming the next casualty. The narrow tunnels are reinforced to offer support, and George wishes this mine had been lined with limestone to prevent the spread of fires. The kids learn that a blocked exit can mean death, since the only other way out is on the other side of the mountain.
The plot will certainly satisfy any readers with a need for action or fighting scenes. The dragon attacks are relentless, and readers discover it won’t stop searching for George until it kills him. Lulls in the action give a false impression that things are okay, only to have the dragon rear its terrifying face again. To complicate things further, thieves are roaming the tunnels, so readers can expect them to pop up. One of them is crazy enough to destroy the whole mountain, even if the kids are still inside the mine.
What didn’t work as well:
There’s a Scottish man named Rowland who can see into the future. He adds humor and predictions of events to come, but his ability doesn’t immediately make sense. The book begins with a realistic tone, and the existence of a dragon is strange enough. The kids use scouting skills, but there’s no hint that some humans will have superpowers.
The final verdict:
This story is a flat-out action adventure, as George and his friends battle a dragon that is determined to kill them. I recommend you give this book a shot.
May 14, 2026
George is determined to prove that there are diamonds in the old coal mine just as his father declared before his death down in the mine. George explores the mines looking for proof, and his Boy Scout friends follow him, but they all get into trouble when they realize that an ancient dragon has been awakened in the depths of the caves. They encounter a mysterious man who claims to have knowledge of dragons and the weapons to kill them. They will need all their Scouting survival training to escape the mines with a dragon hunting them.
This story had so many plot twists! Right when you think it's all done and dusted, another crazy thing happens and the dragon is back again. It really keeps you on your toes with all the adventure and suspense. I loved all the plot elements, like thieves and dynamite and a mysterious meteorite that has been buried for thousands of years.
I loved George's character! He is so determined to prove that his father was right and restore his family's reputation in their West Virginia town. And I loved the Scout's moral code, and how all George's friends are focused on living up to their Scout discipline even with a dragon on their tail. George especially has some great character development as he finds the courage to face the dragon!
The writing is very funny and exciting! There is a lot of tension and action and mystery, and it's all brought together in each scene with great concise descriptions so that you can really imagine the whole scene like a movie. And then in the middle of some huge battle, a character has a funny quip that sets everyone laughing. Just fantastic writing!
This book has been screened on the Screen It First website for mild language and violence. https://screenitfirst.com/book/george...
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.
This story had so many plot twists! Right when you think it's all done and dusted, another crazy thing happens and the dragon is back again. It really keeps you on your toes with all the adventure and suspense. I loved all the plot elements, like thieves and dynamite and a mysterious meteorite that has been buried for thousands of years.
I loved George's character! He is so determined to prove that his father was right and restore his family's reputation in their West Virginia town. And I loved the Scout's moral code, and how all George's friends are focused on living up to their Scout discipline even with a dragon on their tail. George especially has some great character development as he finds the courage to face the dragon!
The writing is very funny and exciting! There is a lot of tension and action and mystery, and it's all brought together in each scene with great concise descriptions so that you can really imagine the whole scene like a movie. And then in the middle of some huge battle, a character has a funny quip that sets everyone laughing. Just fantastic writing!
This book has been screened on the Screen It First website for mild language and violence. https://screenitfirst.com/book/george...
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
George Goodwin: Dragon Slayer is a spirited adventure that follows a group of scouting friends on a weekend campout that quickly becomes legendary. At its heart is George Goodwin, a determined and big-hearted scout whose ambition and leadership shine throughout the story. Joined by his fellow scouts, the Bacon Bandit, and the sister patrol, Neon Ninja, the group draws on their scouting skills and teamwork to track down and ultimately defeat the fearsome motherlode dragon. From the opening pages, the book establishes a sense of excitement and promises adventure. Though the conclusion follows a familiar adventure arc, there’s a satisfying comfort in seeing a classic structure executed with confidence. The influence of The Goonies is unmistakable, and it works strongly in the book’s favor.
One of the story’s standout strengths is how naturally scouting is integrated into the narrative. The skills feel authentic to the characters and their problem-solving, giving the fantasy a distinctive and refreshing flavor rarely seen in the genre. Attentive scouters will also appreciate the subtle Easter eggs and respectful nods to the founder of Scouting.
The pacing remains brisk and engaging, especially in the final act, where the last thirty pages fly by in a whirlwind of action. That momentum may leave readers hoping for a sequel, or even a full series, but the book stands on its own as a light, enjoyable adventure. It is particularly well suited for scouting-age readers and for anyone who enjoys scout-themed fantasy.
One of the story’s standout strengths is how naturally scouting is integrated into the narrative. The skills feel authentic to the characters and their problem-solving, giving the fantasy a distinctive and refreshing flavor rarely seen in the genre. Attentive scouters will also appreciate the subtle Easter eggs and respectful nods to the founder of Scouting.
The pacing remains brisk and engaging, especially in the final act, where the last thirty pages fly by in a whirlwind of action. That momentum may leave readers hoping for a sequel, or even a full series, but the book stands on its own as a light, enjoyable adventure. It is particularly well suited for scouting-age readers and for anyone who enjoys scout-themed fantasy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you… in the best way. It was honestly hard for me to put down. And sure, maybe that’s not the most “man in his 40s” thing to admit, but it’s true. The story is that captivating.
It has that rare, timeless feel. The same spark I remember from first reading The Lord of the Rings, The Indian in the Cupboard, and even The Chronicles of Narnia. There’s adventure, heart, and that warm sense of wonder that makes you want to keep turning pages “just one more chapter” at a time.
What surprised me most is how cleanly it bridges generations. I finished it already thinking about who I’m giving it to next. I’ve got younger nephews and nieces who will absolutely be getting copies when it releases, because this is the kind of story that can become a shared family favorite, the kind you grow up with and then pass along.
If you’re looking for a book that pulls you into a world of courage, imagination, and old-school storytelling charm, George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer delivers. I genuinely believe this one has the makings of a classic.
It has that rare, timeless feel. The same spark I remember from first reading The Lord of the Rings, The Indian in the Cupboard, and even The Chronicles of Narnia. There’s adventure, heart, and that warm sense of wonder that makes you want to keep turning pages “just one more chapter” at a time.
What surprised me most is how cleanly it bridges generations. I finished it already thinking about who I’m giving it to next. I’ve got younger nephews and nieces who will absolutely be getting copies when it releases, because this is the kind of story that can become a shared family favorite, the kind you grow up with and then pass along.
If you’re looking for a book that pulls you into a world of courage, imagination, and old-school storytelling charm, George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer delivers. I genuinely believe this one has the makings of a classic.
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into the adventure and the bravery of young George. This author reminds me of CS Lewis. If you like Narnia's wisdom, you will love George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer. I can't wait to get into the rest of this book, and the series that I am certain will follow. . Calling all mom's, dad's, auntie's and uncle's....This is the greatest gift to give your loved ones. I usually gift one book per family, but this one is so special, I ordered 5 for my niece, nephew and their three children. I have a feeling, they will each want to collect this series, to pass down to their own children as they grow up. Talk about a courage builder....this book will do this for whomever reads it.
Oh my goodness.....The Boy Scouts must be tickled and proud of this bookI am wondering if the Boy Scouts will invent and give out George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer patches to the Boy Scouts who exhibit extraordinary courage, bravery, kindness, and adventure? I know many Boy Scouts who would love to be awarded this patch.
Oh my goodness.....The Boy Scouts must be tickled and proud of this bookI am wondering if the Boy Scouts will invent and give out George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer patches to the Boy Scouts who exhibit extraordinary courage, bravery, kindness, and adventure? I know many Boy Scouts who would love to be awarded this patch.
Review of advance copy
As a 16 year old girl I found this book very action-packed and inspiring! The minute I opened the first page, it was almost impossible to put it down. The writing was suspenseful and easy to follow and the characters were very fun and unique in their own way. I love George! He is brave, funny, smart, caring, kind, and a great leader. He is an amazing role model for girls and boys of all ages. While reading, I felt like I could smell the burning fire from the dragon, the pine trees in the forest, the sheep in the cave… it’s adventurous, creepy, mysterious, and fun. If I learned one thing from this book, it’s that ALL dragons can be slayed! Easily 5 Stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a fun, easy, adventure-packed read featuring main characters George (12 years), and Skunks (13 years) filled with found treasure, trap doors, ruby red crystals, friendship, bravery, deception and dragons! It also features George and Skunk's Boy Scout Troop, highlighting many skills they learned from their troop adventures, which adds a unique and interesting twist.
I love the friendships throughout this story, as well as the perseverance, humor, and creativity of the kids. I'm excited to see how this series unfolds in upcoming titles, and think this would make a great read for kids that love themes of adventure, survival skills, bravery, and fantasy.
I love the friendships throughout this story, as well as the perseverance, humor, and creativity of the kids. I'm excited to see how this series unfolds in upcoming titles, and think this would make a great read for kids that love themes of adventure, survival skills, bravery, and fantasy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story has been brewing under the surface for years. Similar to the dragons we see today that we must all learn to confront because ignoring them is no longer an option.
What an amazing adventure and story I loved sharing with my young boys. They grew up reading the adventures of Narnia, Harry Potter, and Percy Jackson. This has elements of those stories but it’s more grounded in the real world.
As a child of the 80’s this book brings me back to the adventure of Spielberg’s Goonies movie. Young people coming of age facing risk in order to save their family, home, town.
What an amazing adventure and story I loved sharing with my young boys. They grew up reading the adventures of Narnia, Harry Potter, and Percy Jackson. This has elements of those stories but it’s more grounded in the real world.
As a child of the 80’s this book brings me back to the adventure of Spielberg’s Goonies movie. Young people coming of age facing risk in order to save their family, home, town.
Review of advance copy
This delightful young adult novel is engaging from page one to the very end. My grandkids and I both loved the authentic dialogue among the scouts. My grandson.(12) could totally relate to the characters, and my granddaughter.(10) laughed out loud many times throughout the book. The detailed settings contributed to the suspense as the kids boldly faced challenge after challenge. I personally loved the empowering message, that just because you’re a kid doesn’t mean you can’t slay dragons, and be the hero.
Review of advance copy
To quote Bear Grylls' forward to the book "We live in a world full of dragons, and now more than ever, we need young men and women prepared to slay them." With two young boys at home (current ages: 4 and 9), I am constantly aware of the dragons in their world. This book will inspire the dragon hunter in both of them. This group touches the heart of young people that love fantasy and adventure. This book is right in line with the Percy Jackson (and of course Wings of Fire for our 9 yr old dragon fan). We are excited for our family to finish out the series together!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer. It’s an entertaining adventure with dragons, danger, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. The loyalty between friends really stands out, and the good versus evil theme kept me really cheering them on. There’s also some genuinely funny dialogue sprinkled throughout. It lightens the mood at just the right moments and makes the characters feel real. If you like adventure with heart, humor, and a clear line between the good guys and the bad guys, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
My 11-year-old son could not put it down. Usually if he like's something he will talk about it for days... This book he brought to the dinner table, retelling and acting out scenes. I caught him laughing to himself more than once while he read it.
He's a huge Percy Jackson fan - and this book sparked his imagination like that...
He's a huge Percy Jackson fan - and this book sparked his imagination like that...
Review of advance copy received from Author
The characters were very fun, the adventure keeps growing throughout and the book has some laugh out loud moments. All three of my kids (10, 12, 15) devoured the book. Full of wit and adventure so fans of Percy Jackson type books or maybe Keepers of the Lost Cities will love it. Content was clean for kids too
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loved experiencing the West Virginia setting and the thrill of getting to know these fun characters as they discovered a new world of dragons and dragon slayers. I’ll be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series. Definitely an adventure I’ll recommend to fellow moms. Would make a great family read-aloud!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was really fun to read! it pulls you in right away with its imagery and characterization are especially strong. I love how the story is unfolding. The setting is vivid and immersive; the authors reallt make you feel like you’re down in a dingy coal mine, running from a dragon.
The book captures the sense of adventure and heroism you find in The Hobbit, while keeping the pacing, accessibility, and character-driven focus of series like Percy Jackson & the Olympians or Ranger’s Apprentice. It feels perfectly tuned for upper–middle grade readers (around ages 11–12), but it’s engaging enough that older readers can still have a great time with it.
The book captures the sense of adventure and heroism you find in The Hobbit, while keeping the pacing, accessibility, and character-driven focus of series like Percy Jackson & the Olympians or Ranger’s Apprentice. It feels perfectly tuned for upper–middle grade readers (around ages 11–12), but it’s engaging enough that older readers can still have a great time with it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn’t put this book down! It’s rare to find an adventure this epic that also feels this personal. Eric Newman and Candace Lee deliver a gripping, big-hearted story about loyalty, bravery, and the power of young heroes stepping into their calling. George Goodwin feels destined to become something far greater than he knows.
April 13, 2026
Brilliant! A rousing good story featuring a likeable group of youth on a quest not of their choosing with Scouting woven throughout in a thoughtful, natural way. Good for middle readers and up. Can’t wait for the next one!!
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing, and the authors, Candace Lee and Eric Newman for this ebook ARC to read. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Christian Publishing, and the authors, Candace Lee and Eric Newman for this ebook ARC to read. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
This book was so good! It was so accurate to scouting and was a fantastic representation of what it means to be a scout. The main character shows extreme amounts of bravery in everything that he does, and most importantly, he does it to help other people! This book was truly truly good and it is a great way to encourage people to join our program! I am so excited for the books to follow.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed the strong sense of place this book has. Yes, there be dragons in those mountains! I know this is a middle grade book for a middle grade audience, definitely skewed toward boys, and I am not that audience. So for me, too much body humor. But I am sure it will delight many who read it.
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved this book! If you like the Percy Jackson series, Chronicles or Narnia or even Holes - you will like this! The pot is engaging and the character development draws you into the scouts’ world. There is mystery, fear – and dash of humor. You won’t be able to put it down!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Full of adventure and imagination, this book truly captivates the minds of readers from start to finish. Each page is engaging, fun, and filled with excitement. The perfect book for anyone who loves a great adventure!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An action-packed story that is sure to keep middle-grade readers engaged!
I haven't read a book for young readers in a long while but there is a lot of adventure to enjoy in this fun romp. There is some toilet humor, but I imagine that younger readers won't have the same reaction as me.
I haven't read a book for young readers in a long while but there is a lot of adventure to enjoy in this fun romp. There is some toilet humor, but I imagine that younger readers won't have the same reaction as me.
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
My son's a scout, and it was so exciting for him to hear a story where he could see himself as the hero. It was funny, a little dangerous, and had a lot of heart. We'll be watching for the next installment in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When it comes to whimsy and imagination with humor and warmth - Candace Lee and Eric Newman deliver. Every. Single. Time. The delivery of this highly creative story reads like a masterclass in character development, storytelling and a deep understanding of how audiences think. Read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fun, fast-paced, and entertaining. Goonies for a new era!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Read this with my grandkids and they absolutely loved it! Glad to see an adventure like this that inspires young people to be and achieve great things. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read it because I thought my kids and grandkids would appreciate it, but I LOVED this story. Really had my heart racing all the way to the shocking finale! Can’t wait for part 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
With magical quests, surprising comedy, and loyal friends, this book will be exciting ride for kids who enjoy adventurous stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kids Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Witty humor and timely punchlines mixed with fast paced action make it a hard book to put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews