Dragon Stalkers

by Richard Marman

The latest YA novel from the pen of Richard Marman! A mighty dragon called Brimstone is terrorizing the once quiet village of Oak Tree. Prince Roger and his sister, Princess Crystal, set out to hunt the fiery beast. They are ably assisted, or hindered, as the case may be, by an evil knight, a mysterious good-guy, the local sheriff, loyal men-at-arms, forest brigands, ogres, trolls, and Oak Tree's villagers with a bunch of attitude. There are thrills, spills, romance and a heap of rollicking fun to be had by all.

154 pages, Paperback

Published February 13, 2016

About the author

Ex-military and airline pilot, Richard Marman is now a Sunshine Coast based illustrator and author. His work includes illustrating pamphlets, calendars and posters for the Australian Ground Safety Council promoting workplace safety at airport terminals. He has also been a regular cartoonist for several magazines.
Richard illustrated Anna Tullemans and Rhonda Dixon’s successful book on children’s behavioural difficulties, How to Stop You Words Bumping into Someone Else’s, which has been enthusiastically received by carers and educators.
His illustrated books include, A Tale of Two Turtles, A Whale’s Tale and Hannah Meets a Dragon. Richard has written and illustrated eight published novels for young adults: The Wealth, Escape from Fort McCain and six books in The McAlister Line series. Richard also illustrated The Littlest Bandit, Max Goes to the Zoo and Mountie Moose by Judith Bandidt.
Richard works with most traditional art media, photographs and digital graphics programs. His books are available in paperback and eBook from most online bookstores or via his website

Reviews

[Bernadette Rowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon Stalkers? Well, first things first, it's very funny. The tale is told in a jovial style and the author obviously has a sharp wit. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of modern idiom in a medieval fairy tale. So if you want a good giggle, check out this novella featuring a kick-arse princess, a dumb prince, dubious royal hangers-on, an evil knight and his cronies AND a dragon quest.

[Chris Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different style to what the author used in McAlisters Way. Reminds me of the lovechild of Monty Python and Douglas Adams AND The Princess Bride. Hmmm is that possible? These days, one can never tell.

At times, it reminded me of listening to Ronnie Corbett from The Two Ronnies deliver a joke from his chair. The story would start, progress a bit, and he would add a few asides about what was happening so far. But he delivered it with flair.

[Ian King · Rating 5 out of 5]

An hilarious rendezvous with Fairyland and the folk who live there... I want the author (Richard) to be my new 'Fairy god father' because with flair and plenty of rabbit trails, he has dished up an adventure you don't find every day. And with hottie princesses (who wear 'spray-on leather pants'), trolls, ogres, gentlemanly dragons and lots of gold (eventually) you can't go wrong.
The read is snappy, the various characters are bold and you'll be chuckling profusely at their antics. I'm reminded of John Cleese and Steve Martins 'dirty rotten scoundrels', and what would happen if they were found prancing around the Renaissance country of Florin (think, where the beautiful 'Buttercup' lives - The Princess Bride) don't ask me why, just pick up the book to find where your fairyland might be.
The great squid (dragon, whatever) Brimstone, has a lot more mystery to him than one might think. In fact, he's not such a bad fellow, when you get to know him.

[Salman Shami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! this book is eminently readable and oh so funny. It presents a refreshingly original tale out of a kaleidoscopic jumble of common fairy tale cliches. It is cleverly done storytelling that entertains on every page. The humour is light but sharp with loads of double entendres that would not be out of place in a Carry On movie.
I don't remember a book I finished as quickly that I enjoyed so much. I would love to read more in this style. I seriously believe Richard Marman has hit on something special.

[M.G. Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is uniquely different. It is a tongue-in-cheek take on the classic fairytale. A highly entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable read, that will leave you in stitches. Highly recommended!