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Spirit Knights #2
Backyard Dragons
Portland has a dragon problem.
Now genuinely a Spirit Knight, sixteen-year-old Claire wants to know everything about the job. Fate dumps a dragon on her and she only has more questions. She knows how much she needs training and wishes she could snap her fingers to learn everything at once.
Justin can answer Claire's questions, but between his demanding young daughters, his sarcastic horse, and the recent loss of his own mentor, he'd rather just be a Knight. No one told him adopting an apprentice would devour all his free time and dredge up the past.
In this sequel to Girls Can't Be Knights, Claire and Justin face dragons, ghosts, witches, echoes, and memories. Their survival and the fate of Portland may depend on Justin's intellect.
They're doomed...
Now genuinely a Spirit Knight, sixteen-year-old Claire wants to know everything about the job. Fate dumps a dragon on her and she only has more questions. She knows how much she needs training and wishes she could snap her fingers to learn everything at once.
Justin can answer Claire's questions, but between his demanding young daughters, his sarcastic horse, and the recent loss of his own mentor, he'd rather just be a Knight. No one told him adopting an apprentice would devour all his free time and dredge up the past.
In this sequel to Girls Can't Be Knights, Claire and Justin face dragons, ghosts, witches, echoes, and memories. Their survival and the fate of Portland may depend on Justin's intellect.
They're doomed...
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2016
51 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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August 13, 2017Kindle Freebie 6/16/17
May 7, 2017
Another fun, quick read in this series. I loved Claire's little sprite, and I loved seeing her grow, fumble, and learn. Watching Jason continue to be an idiot was entertaining, even while I wanted to hit him for being the idiot. His poor family, haha. The character's personalities stayed true. Claire really is a resultant young lady and does well with handling everything that's thrown at her. I believe there's one more book, and I'm excited to read that.
I think the only thing that's really slightly irritating about this series is that most of the events all happen in a 24 hour frame. So when I say it's a 'quick read' it's because it all happens, literally, quickly, and it's easy to start and finish in almost the same time frame as the book is running in. I wish the events were a bit slower paced, happened in an extended time frame, small steps with breaths and rest between, instead of back to back until the characters fall into exhaustion at the end of the day... or don't fall into exhaustion, but move onto the next day/book.
I think the only thing that's really slightly irritating about this series is that most of the events all happen in a 24 hour frame. So when I say it's a 'quick read' it's because it all happens, literally, quickly, and it's easy to start and finish in almost the same time frame as the book is running in. I wish the events were a bit slower paced, happened in an extended time frame, small steps with breaths and rest between, instead of back to back until the characters fall into exhaustion at the end of the day... or don't fall into exhaustion, but move onto the next day/book.
January 29, 2018
This is a overall review for all first three books. I came across the first book by accident I listen to all the books over 4 days.
The Narrators where good but the young voices where really whining nothing one can do about it I did enjoy them all.
Am halfway the third book and the one thing I can say is, If a 16 year old teenage girl can shake a millennial institution just by being female then they don't deserve the to be called Knights at all.
I will finish the series and follow the author I did enjoy the previews books yet the idea that is was all because of a petty man is a little nerveraking.
The Narrators where good but the young voices where really whining nothing one can do about it I did enjoy them all.
Am halfway the third book and the one thing I can say is, If a 16 year old teenage girl can shake a millennial institution just by being female then they don't deserve the to be called Knights at all.
I will finish the series and follow the author I did enjoy the previews books yet the idea that is was all because of a petty man is a little nerveraking.
December 15, 2016
I have been I been in love with dragons sine I was a child?
Dragons are as real to me as the birds in the trees. I am challenged to read every hook that deal's with them. This tale was one of the best I have read every jn quite some time. Keep up the good work.
Dragons are as real to me as the birds in the trees. I am challenged to read every hook that deal's with them. This tale was one of the best I have read every jn quite some time. Keep up the good work.
September 5, 2017
It was great to read the continuing story of Claire as she unfolds more of the Spirit Knights world for us. I felt as if this installment was setting up more of her 'team' that will support her in future books - while being a good book on its own!
June 20, 2019
It was fine - definitely a YA book, with a plan to build a persistent universe after this particular story is complete. I wasn't a fan how young=annoyingly bad, inexplicable decision-making but I see what the author was going for.
March 17, 2019
Still enjoying the series
October 9, 2021
2 book in the Spirit Knights series... fun!
December 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Especially its portrayal of Portland.
February 23, 2017
A cute story
This was a fun book to read. Even though I did not read the first book, I was able to follow the tale without any trouble.
This was a fun book to read. Even though I did not read the first book, I was able to follow the tale without any trouble.
March 15, 2016
“Everything about her was different from every other Knight. She had a different build, a different weapon, a different sprite, and different challenges.” (Kindle Locations 2034-2035).
Claire is a Spirit Knight and even though she still isn’t accepted by everyone in the male-dominated group, she wants to show them that she is really a Knight. After she gets a dragon as her sprite and has won a weapon from the Heart of the castle, Claire is ready to begin training. But, before she can truly prepare, things start to go wrong. There are mysterious things going on and Claire and Justin must figure out what’s going on before it’s too late.
I found the pacing good, the tension good and storytelling solid, but there were a few characteristics of this book I didn’t like. Justin felt almost like a villain when he was supposed to be supportive of Claire. There were a few scenes where his thoughts about his family were less than positive and that made me uncomfortable. I thought he was supposed to be the hero passing the torch to the new girl? I believe that there are outside forces that influence how he perceives the things he loves, but I wish he had remained the underdog hero instead of the villain’s assistant. Justin is your average knight, but even so, he was easily manipulated and seemed to get caught in the simplest of traps that Claire was able to figure out immediately! How can one be a Spirit Knight, when one is so easily undone! This did let Claire be the hero and this is her story. I did like that there were average knights like Justin and that he tries to be valiant, that he tries hard all the time.
I liked most everything about Claire. The scenes between her and the Heart of the castle were awesome! I loved how in every situation she found herself in, she didn’t give up, even if she had no real weapon. She wasn’t afraid to use her fists!
Dragons. Super cool. I liked how the dragon actually had his own backstory and personality.
I found the twist of the main plot to be obvious. The clues were so good that I guessed what was going to happen quickly. All new information led directly to this obvious ending, which was still satisfying even though I knew it was coming. It was the logical ending.
Claire is a Spirit Knight and even though she still isn’t accepted by everyone in the male-dominated group, she wants to show them that she is really a Knight. After she gets a dragon as her sprite and has won a weapon from the Heart of the castle, Claire is ready to begin training. But, before she can truly prepare, things start to go wrong. There are mysterious things going on and Claire and Justin must figure out what’s going on before it’s too late.
I found the pacing good, the tension good and storytelling solid, but there were a few characteristics of this book I didn’t like. Justin felt almost like a villain when he was supposed to be supportive of Claire. There were a few scenes where his thoughts about his family were less than positive and that made me uncomfortable. I thought he was supposed to be the hero passing the torch to the new girl? I believe that there are outside forces that influence how he perceives the things he loves, but I wish he had remained the underdog hero instead of the villain’s assistant. Justin is your average knight, but even so, he was easily manipulated and seemed to get caught in the simplest of traps that Claire was able to figure out immediately! How can one be a Spirit Knight, when one is so easily undone! This did let Claire be the hero and this is her story. I did like that there were average knights like Justin and that he tries to be valiant, that he tries hard all the time.
I liked most everything about Claire. The scenes between her and the Heart of the castle were awesome! I loved how in every situation she found herself in, she didn’t give up, even if she had no real weapon. She wasn’t afraid to use her fists!
Dragons. Super cool. I liked how the dragon actually had his own backstory and personality.
I found the twist of the main plot to be obvious. The clues were so good that I guessed what was going to happen quickly. All new information led directly to this obvious ending, which was still satisfying even though I knew it was coming. It was the logical ending.
August 2, 2016
Backyard Dragons is the second installment in the Spirit Knights series from Lee French. The good news is that if you didn’t read the first book, you won’t be lost. There is enough backstory in Backyard Dragons to ensure you understand what has led Claire to become the only female knight.
Backyard Dragons is a quick read that focuses on Claire, an apprentice knight, and Justin, her mentor and adoptive father. Claire is getting more advanced in her teachings and also gets a sprite, an animal that partners with the knights. However, as Claire learns more about the history of the knights and why some of the knights aren’t happy to have her be one of them, she encounters a bigger problem that could hurt the entire order.
Backyard Dragons is good story, but at times it felt rushed. The book could have actually benefitted from being fleshed out more and digging deeper into the characters. The perspectives of the chapters changed from Claire and Justin’s point of views, but they had too similar of a voice to feel as though they were very different people. They were also immature at times – understandably from Claire who is a teenager – but Justin is married with two children, and adopted Claire. However, he is also young in his mid-20s.
While I didn’t read the first book in the series, I enjoyed this book enough to want to go back and read Claire’s origin story. She’s a character that has a lot of growth and certainly there will be more of her stories to tell.
Backyard Dragons is a quick read that focuses on Claire, an apprentice knight, and Justin, her mentor and adoptive father. Claire is getting more advanced in her teachings and also gets a sprite, an animal that partners with the knights. However, as Claire learns more about the history of the knights and why some of the knights aren’t happy to have her be one of them, she encounters a bigger problem that could hurt the entire order.
Backyard Dragons is good story, but at times it felt rushed. The book could have actually benefitted from being fleshed out more and digging deeper into the characters. The perspectives of the chapters changed from Claire and Justin’s point of views, but they had too similar of a voice to feel as though they were very different people. They were also immature at times – understandably from Claire who is a teenager – but Justin is married with two children, and adopted Claire. However, he is also young in his mid-20s.
While I didn’t read the first book in the series, I enjoyed this book enough to want to go back and read Claire’s origin story. She’s a character that has a lot of growth and certainly there will be more of her stories to tell.
September 2, 2016
The second book in the Spirit Knight series, Backyard Dragons by Lee French is a riveting story with well-developed characters. Claire is sixteen and is learning everything she can about her role as a Knight. But this doesn't come easily and it is interesting for readers to watch her mature through every struggle and battle. Justin, who is supposed to mentor her has his own troubles to sort out. With a dragon that she's learning how to deal with, Claire has to face witches, dragons, ghosts, and unnerving echoes.
Backyard Dragons has many things to entice fans of fantasy. First off, Lee French writes beautifully and the whole story reels with the sweetness of well-chosen words, vivid descriptions, and engaging dialogue. The characters are rock solid. Claire's growth is evident throughout the story and the way she grows allows the reader to take some interest in her. Justin is portrayed as a normal human being with his own troubles that anyone can face in the same way that he does. The pace is fast and readers will enjoy the surprises the author introduces at every turn of the story. I loved the fact that I was able to get into the story pretty fast without having read the first part of the series. This is one of the books I will not hesitate to recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable story with unusual creatures.
Backyard Dragons has many things to entice fans of fantasy. First off, Lee French writes beautifully and the whole story reels with the sweetness of well-chosen words, vivid descriptions, and engaging dialogue. The characters are rock solid. Claire's growth is evident throughout the story and the way she grows allows the reader to take some interest in her. Justin is portrayed as a normal human being with his own troubles that anyone can face in the same way that he does. The pace is fast and readers will enjoy the surprises the author introduces at every turn of the story. I loved the fact that I was able to get into the story pretty fast without having read the first part of the series. This is one of the books I will not hesitate to recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable story with unusual creatures.
August 30, 2016
Claire is fighting to become the Spirit Knight she knows she is, but between the minor gender problem and her sprite turning out to be a dragon who has a family that needs rescuing, she has an awful lot to learn. When her mentor and adoptive dad, Justin, has his own battles to fight she ventures out, and learns that sometimes people get hurt if they don’t know what they are doing.
Book 2 in the Spirit Knights series follows Claire as she struggles to gain her footing in a very unfamiliar world. It’s a great urban fantasy novel that tends YA but still pulls in a broader fantasy audience. I really enjoyed how Claire groped her way through as her mentor leaves her hanging; Justin was written as a complex character and I thought it was really critical to the overall plot development that he gain some depth to show how dangerous the world of the Spirit Knight is. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series, especially as Claire grows up both in her own maturity and in her knowledge of her duties.
Book 2 in the Spirit Knights series follows Claire as she struggles to gain her footing in a very unfamiliar world. It’s a great urban fantasy novel that tends YA but still pulls in a broader fantasy audience. I really enjoyed how Claire groped her way through as her mentor leaves her hanging; Justin was written as a complex character and I thought it was really critical to the overall plot development that he gain some depth to show how dangerous the world of the Spirit Knight is. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series, especially as Claire grows up both in her own maturity and in her knowledge of her duties.
February 8, 2017
While real life kept me from reading this in one sitting, I still read this book instead of doing things like folding laundry. I had to know what happened! I will admit that I am not a big YA fan, but I love this series! I have already bought the next one!
July 23, 2016
Hi I received this book for an honest review! First of its about dragons! Who doesn't love dragons? I started this book and finished it in one day! Yes it's that good!
Claire the main character is a spirit knight and the guys don't accept her since she's the First Lady knight in the history of the Knights. The plot was good! I didn't expect the ending though! I really liked Claire she seemed so real. I dont think if I was in her shoes I would have handled any of the stuff as well as she did.
I can't wait for the next book to see what happens!
Claire the main character is a spirit knight and the guys don't accept her since she's the First Lady knight in the history of the Knights. The plot was good! I didn't expect the ending though! I really liked Claire she seemed so real. I dont think if I was in her shoes I would have handled any of the stuff as well as she did.
I can't wait for the next book to see what happens!
December 8, 2016
Great story
Very good tale and exciting sequel! Sometimes the second book disappoints but not this one! The further adventures of Claire and Justin are well worth reading. Love the dragon!
Very good tale and exciting sequel! Sometimes the second book disappoints but not this one! The further adventures of Claire and Justin are well worth reading. Love the dragon!
December 23, 2016
Good book! Will read the third! Request the author writes an adult series either ageless for an adult ages with no drawn out sex scenes. We all know what goes on behind closed doors. Please? I just hate that I have to read children's books
August 10, 2016
A very interesting read. Keeps you guessing who the villain is until the end. Clear and Justin both are strong characters and well written. Can't wait to read the third one.
December 14, 2016
I found the first book in this series entertaining, but sorry to say that i cant say the same about this one. Its like all the people in this series have just become stupid, and that is annoying. :(
September 23, 2020
2.5 stars.
April 7, 2017
Good
This is a very good YA book. Lots of action, friendships, mystery, magic and dragons. The story line is great and the characters are awesome. So grab your copy and enjoy reading.
This is a very good YA book. Lots of action, friendships, mystery, magic and dragons. The story line is great and the characters are awesome. So grab your copy and enjoy reading.
April 8, 2017
I have to say, with as much as I enjoyed Girls Can't Be Knights and the introduction of the premise, as well as how enamored I was with the dynamic between Justin and Marie... it was a little disheartening to see it fall apart so very quickly in this installment.
Don't get me wrong, the plot moved along okay, and the development and resolution were handled well enough to earn 5 stars for sure...
I am just a little more conflicted than I typically am. I felt like this one attacked the stigma from the first book AGAIN, so in some ways things haven't moved on... yet they HAVE because all of a sudden we have mangled bodies and broken bones and unexpectedly violent deaths and good lord is this still YA??
Definitely loved the dragons. The dragons atoned for EVERYTHING. I liked the character development between Claire and Drew. All aboard Ship Clew! I would have loved to see a bit more of a direct resolution between Justin and Marie, after the way he acted this time around, after being introduced so well... but it is what it is.
On to the next one, then!
Don't get me wrong, the plot moved along okay, and the development and resolution were handled well enough to earn 5 stars for sure...
I am just a little more conflicted than I typically am. I felt like this one attacked the stigma from the first book AGAIN, so in some ways things haven't moved on... yet they HAVE because all of a sudden we have mangled bodies and broken bones and unexpectedly violent deaths and good lord is this still YA??
Definitely loved the dragons. The dragons atoned for EVERYTHING. I liked the character development between Claire and Drew. All aboard Ship Clew! I would have loved to see a bit more of a direct resolution between Justin and Marie, after the way he acted this time around, after being introduced so well... but it is what it is.
On to the next one, then!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews