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The Last Dragon Chronicles #1
The Fire Within
A magical adventure about the power of dragons...
When David moves in with Elizabeth Pennykettle and her eleven-year-old daughter, Lucy, he discovers a collection of clay dragons that come to life. David's own special dragon inspires him to write a story, which reveals the secrets behind a mystery. In order to solve the mystery and save his dragon, David must master the magic of the fire within - not only with his hands but also with his heart.
When David moves in with Elizabeth Pennykettle and her eleven-year-old daughter, Lucy, he discovers a collection of clay dragons that come to life. David's own special dragon inspires him to write a story, which reveals the secrets behind a mystery. In order to solve the mystery and save his dragon, David must master the magic of the fire within - not only with his hands but also with his heart.
340 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2001
913 people are currently reading
16857 people want to read
About the author
Chris d'Lacey
87 books1,111 followersHe was born in Valetta, Malta, but as a child moved first to Leicester and then to Bolton. After gaining a degree in biology from the University of York, he returned to Leicester and got a job at the University of Leicester in their Pre-Clinical Sciences department.
Originally his writing was confined to songs and he didn't turn to fiction until he was 32. His first piece of work was a 250,000 word story about polar bears for his wife, Jay, to accompany a stuffed polar bear he had bought her as a Christmas present.
He didn't write another story for seven years, until he heard about a competition to write a story for young children with a prize of £2,000. The resulting book, A Hole at the Pole, also about polar bears, didn't win - but he sent it off to a publisher, who accepted it.
His first children's novel, Fly, Cherokee, Fly, was published in 1998 and subsequently shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. It was inspired by the time he found an injured pigeon in Victoria Park and nursed it back to health at home. It became a family pet and lived for 14 years in a birdbox attached to the back of the house. All of its offspring were given the names of different Native American tribes, which is where the title of the book comes from.)
He has since written over twenty children's books, including Pawnee Warrior (a sequel to Fly, Cherokee, Fly), a collaborative novel with fellow children's author Linda Newbery (From E To You), and the best-selling, award-winning The Last Dragon Chronicles. His books often contain environmental themes, and events based on things that have happened to him.
In July 2002 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester for his contributions to children's literature. Although writing is now his main source of income, he still works at the university as the operator of the confocal microscope.
His favourite children's books are the Paddington Bear series and The Hobbit, and his favourite children's authors are Allan Ahlberg and Roald Dahl. Chris D'Lacey has written many books like Ice Fire and Fire Star, but his most famous book was Dark Fire, the fifth book in The Last Dragon Chronicles.
Originally his writing was confined to songs and he didn't turn to fiction until he was 32. His first piece of work was a 250,000 word story about polar bears for his wife, Jay, to accompany a stuffed polar bear he had bought her as a Christmas present.
He didn't write another story for seven years, until he heard about a competition to write a story for young children with a prize of £2,000. The resulting book, A Hole at the Pole, also about polar bears, didn't win - but he sent it off to a publisher, who accepted it.
His first children's novel, Fly, Cherokee, Fly, was published in 1998 and subsequently shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. It was inspired by the time he found an injured pigeon in Victoria Park and nursed it back to health at home. It became a family pet and lived for 14 years in a birdbox attached to the back of the house. All of its offspring were given the names of different Native American tribes, which is where the title of the book comes from.)
He has since written over twenty children's books, including Pawnee Warrior (a sequel to Fly, Cherokee, Fly), a collaborative novel with fellow children's author Linda Newbery (From E To You), and the best-selling, award-winning The Last Dragon Chronicles. His books often contain environmental themes, and events based on things that have happened to him.
In July 2002 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester for his contributions to children's literature. Although writing is now his main source of income, he still works at the university as the operator of the confocal microscope.
His favourite children's books are the Paddington Bear series and The Hobbit, and his favourite children's authors are Allan Ahlberg and Roald Dahl. Chris D'Lacey has written many books like Ice Fire and Fire Star, but his most famous book was Dark Fire, the fifth book in The Last Dragon Chronicles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,906 reviews
September 25, 2014
The fantasy parts of this book were believable but the reality parts were not. The characterization of the main character was completely ridiculous and unbelievable. The language was terrible (who says "Aren't you supposed to be at college" instead of "aren't you supposed to be in class?" The word college was seriously over-used, like the author had to keep pointing out that he was in college since his character wasn't nearly mature enough to be in college and any guy actually in college would NEVER act like this guy. And the whole squirrel story was totally stupid. This is a book about dragons but 90% of the book is wasted with stupid squirrels. This should be a minor side story to set up the dragons but instead takes up most of the book and isn't even entertaining. I was very disappointed in this book. I checked out the second book at the same time as this one so I went ahead and read it. The second book is MUCH better...but still not worth having to read this one so you know what's going on.
May 9, 2021
I read the second book in this series many years ago, loved it and kept meaning to read it from the beginning in the time since. That it took me so long is more because of the almost overwhelming amount of books I want to read, which means delays are inevitable, rather than a lack of interest in Chris d'Lacey's series.
This was a nice beginning to the books, slowing setting up the concept of the dragons and introducing us to the main characters. There is also a strong focus on rescuing a wild squirrel, which I enjoyed. At times I found the girl, Lucy, a little annoying and she often felt more like a seven year old than an eleven year old, but I was more fond of her by the end of the book.
I'll be rereading the second book now and I'm looking forward to finding out if I still like it as much as I did initially.
This was a nice beginning to the books, slowing setting up the concept of the dragons and introducing us to the main characters. There is also a strong focus on rescuing a wild squirrel, which I enjoyed. At times I found the girl, Lucy, a little annoying and she often felt more like a seven year old than an eleven year old, but I was more fond of her by the end of the book.
I'll be rereading the second book now and I'm looking forward to finding out if I still like it as much as I did initially.
October 6, 2012
YAY! A dragon book! I LOVE DRAGONS!
But disappointingly so, it's NOT what I had expected for a dragon book to be 'cause it's mainly centered on squirrels! *annoyed* I know, right?! What was the author thinking?
David is this tenant who rented a room in Elizabeth Pennykettle's household. Liz owns a bunch of clay modeled dragon figures since that's what she "does" for a living and evidently have those things unwavering around the house, mostly on shelves. They don't move but they seem very alive.
Liz's daughter Lucy has always been fond of squirrels and had even given them names. When these rodents' habitat (in which case, an oak tree) has been cut down, they've been scattered to different places. This one squirrel, named Conker was like the main character of the plot, not only did it have only one eye (because a crow had plucked the other one out) but it was the main reason for Lucy and David's venture.
One thing that I only liked about this book were the dragons themselves. They may be just clay (with magical powers) throughout the plot but whatever. They're the reason why I even started reading this book in the first place. And the prospect of having seemingly alive clay dragons is kinda fascinating.
The fantasy aspect of this book was well done BUT the actualities and realistic flavors didn't really strike me as something compelling. So yeah, I didn't buy it.
Anyway, I'll be reading the next book of this series. Dubious that it might disappoint me... again, I'm still gonna read it.
But disappointingly so, it's NOT what I had expected for a dragon book to be 'cause it's mainly centered on squirrels! *annoyed* I know, right?! What was the author thinking?
David is this tenant who rented a room in Elizabeth Pennykettle's household. Liz owns a bunch of clay modeled dragon figures since that's what she "does" for a living and evidently have those things unwavering around the house, mostly on shelves. They don't move but they seem very alive.
Liz's daughter Lucy has always been fond of squirrels and had even given them names. When these rodents' habitat (in which case, an oak tree) has been cut down, they've been scattered to different places. This one squirrel, named Conker was like the main character of the plot, not only did it have only one eye (because a crow had plucked the other one out) but it was the main reason for Lucy and David's venture.
One thing that I only liked about this book were the dragons themselves. They may be just clay (with magical powers) throughout the plot but whatever. They're the reason why I even started reading this book in the first place. And the prospect of having seemingly alive clay dragons is kinda fascinating.
The fantasy aspect of this book was well done BUT the actualities and realistic flavors didn't really strike me as something compelling. So yeah, I didn't buy it.
Anyway, I'll be reading the next book of this series. Dubious that it might disappoint me... again, I'm still gonna read it.
May 13, 2013
A Fire Within, Dull and Treacly Without
"Hrrr Durr" said that dragon. If you missed it the first time, don't worry, they'll point this out like 50 other times, because it's very poignant that the dragons are...well, special.
This book is so lame. I realize this was a much lower reading level thanI thought it would be, but even my 7 yr old niece would find this book too overly precious, tautological, and redundant. There's clay dragons that are magical and cry purple fire tears and go hrr (DONT FORGET IT) -but fuck that! We all know you came to this book , that has on a dragon on the cover,for the squirrels.
What's that, squirrels, you say? Yes, this book is 97% squirrels, 3% the mystery of whether some clay dragon is real or not. To be more specific, a little girl trying to find some mangy one eyed squirrel, and then some guy making up stories about it/ tying to find it. And then they do and SPOILERS it dies.
The main character is a 20 yr old guy who spends way too much time hanging out with his tenants 11 yr old daughter, but there's probably nothing weird going on as he come off as extremely dull and slow, not to mention he still sleeps with his teddy bear while his tenant sings him dragon lullabies.
I'm sorry, there's whimsical and then there's trying too hard. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for suspending my disbelief in fantasy stories, but in this book there was no fantasy, and no mystery. Did it really take 300 pages to figure out the clay dragons were alive when it was obvious from probably the second page? And even if you like squirrels, there's no insight into their story either, this isn't Watership Down , its watered down pabulum filled with the worst kind of repetetive filler, a non-story squirrel search, and pure cheesiness. Don't think I'll read the next volume.
"Hrrr Durr" said that dragon. If you missed it the first time, don't worry, they'll point this out like 50 other times, because it's very poignant that the dragons are...well, special.
This book is so lame. I realize this was a much lower reading level thanI thought it would be, but even my 7 yr old niece would find this book too overly precious, tautological, and redundant. There's clay dragons that are magical and cry purple fire tears and go hrr (DONT FORGET IT) -but fuck that! We all know you came to this book , that has on a dragon on the cover,for the squirrels.
What's that, squirrels, you say? Yes, this book is 97% squirrels, 3% the mystery of whether some clay dragon is real or not. To be more specific, a little girl trying to find some mangy one eyed squirrel, and then some guy making up stories about it/ tying to find it. And then they do and SPOILERS it dies.
The main character is a 20 yr old guy who spends way too much time hanging out with his tenants 11 yr old daughter, but there's probably nothing weird going on as he come off as extremely dull and slow, not to mention he still sleeps with his teddy bear while his tenant sings him dragon lullabies.
I'm sorry, there's whimsical and then there's trying too hard. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for suspending my disbelief in fantasy stories, but in this book there was no fantasy, and no mystery. Did it really take 300 pages to figure out the clay dragons were alive when it was obvious from probably the second page? And even if you like squirrels, there's no insight into their story either, this isn't Watership Down , its watered down pabulum filled with the worst kind of repetetive filler, a non-story squirrel search, and pure cheesiness. Don't think I'll read the next volume.
January 3, 2014
Before I start let me just imply that I read this years ago when I was younger and part of the second, so I am a tad biased writing this review for it being one of my favorite childhood books.
Now, for the actual review. Who doesn't like dragons ? And that's exactly what the book is filled with to the brim. A twenty year old college student named David moves into the Pennykettle household as a temporary tenant. There he meets Liz, the single mother who works as a potter and creates clay dragons to sell at a market in town, and her younger daughter Lucy who has a strange obsession with squirrels.
The story lays out the foundation of the series of seven books by introducing the idea of dragons and teasing the idea of them being real, concrete living beings like a carrot on a stick the entire novel. I understand the book getting some pretty bad reviews because the main point of the book is revolved around an injured squirrel and how they are going to catch him and save him eventually, but it's a brilliant idea. By focusing on a temporary main plot D'Lacey is able to slowly forge the bonds of Liz, Lucy, and David, and slowly reveal more info on dragons as the book unfolds, making you want to sit down and marathon read for hours on end wanting to know more.
In the end this is one of my all time favorite books, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in dragons or with a love of fantasy touched with a little romance and the convalescent bond of family tieing the book together.
Hrrrrrr
Now, for the actual review. Who doesn't like dragons ? And that's exactly what the book is filled with to the brim. A twenty year old college student named David moves into the Pennykettle household as a temporary tenant. There he meets Liz, the single mother who works as a potter and creates clay dragons to sell at a market in town, and her younger daughter Lucy who has a strange obsession with squirrels.
The story lays out the foundation of the series of seven books by introducing the idea of dragons and teasing the idea of them being real, concrete living beings like a carrot on a stick the entire novel. I understand the book getting some pretty bad reviews because the main point of the book is revolved around an injured squirrel and how they are going to catch him and save him eventually, but it's a brilliant idea. By focusing on a temporary main plot D'Lacey is able to slowly forge the bonds of Liz, Lucy, and David, and slowly reveal more info on dragons as the book unfolds, making you want to sit down and marathon read for hours on end wanting to know more.
In the end this is one of my all time favorite books, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in dragons or with a love of fantasy touched with a little romance and the convalescent bond of family tieing the book together.
Hrrrrrr
March 11, 2010
I decided to read a children’s book as a change of pace, and Chris D’Lacey’s The Fire Within was a perfect choice. A young college student, David, moves into the home of mother and daughter, Elizabeth and Lucy, expecting just a room to sleep in and food to eat. But he soon becomes part of the family, helping Lucy in her quest to save the squirrel next door which was left injured when its tree was chopped down. The novel has a beautiful mixture of nature and fantasy, with delightful relationships, childlike innocence, and a real concern for the environment blended with an intriguing touch of magic. For Elizabeth makes beautiful kiln-fired dragons, and no one should ever make a dragon cry.
The fire of the title lies in the heart, of dragon or man. It’s kindled in story-telling and fills the pages of books and libraries. It conquers tragedy with honest tales and tears. And it’s wakened by love.
The Fire Within is a great book for any child who loves squirrels and/or cats and/or dragons. It’s a wonderful source of encouragement for library visits, nature quests, art and writing. The simple text and many layers of story should intrigue both eager and reluctant readers and inspire them to look for more. I really loved this book.
The fire of the title lies in the heart, of dragon or man. It’s kindled in story-telling and fills the pages of books and libraries. It conquers tragedy with honest tales and tears. And it’s wakened by love.
The Fire Within is a great book for any child who loves squirrels and/or cats and/or dragons. It’s a wonderful source of encouragement for library visits, nature quests, art and writing. The simple text and many layers of story should intrigue both eager and reluctant readers and inspire them to look for more. I really loved this book.
May 16, 2008
I was pretty disappointed with this one. Quite a few of my kids at school really like this one and the series. It has a pretty cool core idea with some dragon lore and living dragon statues, but then like 80% of the book is about saving some squirrels! Who cares?! Seriously. The little girl and the main 20-yr-old freaking out so much about the squirrels isn't really believable and it definitely isn't interesting.
The book suffers from a semi-common JF fiction problem of the characters acting weird just to fit the plot. The 20-yr-old instantly bonds with his landlord in one day and starts snooping around the neighbors yard to save squirrels, the Animal Hospital girl instantly bonds with the guy, the "evil" crow with the cool name randomly appears and then totally disappears to advance a weird plot angle...and oh yea, we have this cool cover about a dragon so we'll through in a few bits about them too. It's just annoying. Charlie Bone occasionally suffers from similar problems, but it's better than this. The Peter and the Starcatchers series is a good example of books aimed at the same age group and and actually well-written.
There are a couple of sequels and another on the way. They actually look like they'll be about dragons, but I just don't think I'm going to be giving them a shot anytime soon.
The book suffers from a semi-common JF fiction problem of the characters acting weird just to fit the plot. The 20-yr-old instantly bonds with his landlord in one day and starts snooping around the neighbors yard to save squirrels, the Animal Hospital girl instantly bonds with the guy, the "evil" crow with the cool name randomly appears and then totally disappears to advance a weird plot angle...and oh yea, we have this cool cover about a dragon so we'll through in a few bits about them too. It's just annoying. Charlie Bone occasionally suffers from similar problems, but it's better than this. The Peter and the Starcatchers series is a good example of books aimed at the same age group and and actually well-written.
There are a couple of sequels and another on the way. They actually look like they'll be about dragons, but I just don't think I'm going to be giving them a shot anytime soon.
November 5, 2013
This book was BORING!!!!! It should have been called "Conker's Life" or something to that effect. I was looking for dragon fantasy and I got a crappy story about squirrels. The characters were completely undeveloped, and I hated Lucy. That may sound harsh, but she maybe the most annoying character ever created. I was looking forward to reading the whole series. That is never going to happen. I made myself finish the book because I paid nearly $10.00 ( e-book) for less than 200 pages. The series I read before this book had 4 books to the series with 500 or more pages for each book at the same price. The series before that was 900 plus pages a book for literally change. I think the first was free and the rest were 99 cents to a couple dollars. The characters were well developed, and the fantasy worlds created were fantastic. The point is, I felt robbed at the end. To me, this is dragon fantasy for a twelve year old that likes squirrels A LOT! I want to feel pulled into another world, and I want to feel a little empty after a good book. The feeling I had after this book was more like, what a waste of my time and money.
January 3, 2015
A dragon on the cover? Why don't we just draw Mr. Bacon on the cover?! The most sensible thing would have been a squirrel.
I don't get how the summary takes the smallest message of the book, makes it intriguing and a big deal, and then only mentions the idea a few times throughout the book. I mean "The Fire Within"? How is that of importance?
My friend asks: "Well, have you read the rest of the series?" But that's my point. I shouldn't need to read the rest of the series to understand a message written in the first books summary.
I don't get how the summary takes the smallest message of the book, makes it intriguing and a big deal, and then only mentions the idea a few times throughout the book. I mean "The Fire Within"? How is that of importance?
My friend asks: "Well, have you read the rest of the series?" But that's my point. I shouldn't need to read the rest of the series to understand a message written in the first books summary.
December 29, 2016
Sooooooo...how did we get here? My daughter likes dragons, as in How to Train Your Dragon, and I need something to send her to camp with that was on her reading level. I was at a bookstore staring at the eye-catching cover on this one, and a teen next to me exclaimed that she loved this series. Oh, excellent, so I get it, send it off to camp, and my daughter comes back having read one chapter, which is unusual, but I didn't really investigate it at the time. Months later having read many other things, she asked me to read it to her, so I did. I seriously need to know how you write a children's book that is this bad.
See the dragon on the cover? Go ahead and replace him with a squirrel, and then add the metafictional element that the unapologetic author insert is writing a story about the squirrel and his squirrel friends, doing squirrel stuff. Then add an obnoxious kid obsessed with the squirrels, a jammed-in love interest, and two maudlin squirrel funerals.
I reserve the toilet paper rating for the real stinkers, and congratulations d'Lacey, you've won a spot on my rarefied 1-star review list. My daughter, who has the discerning reading taste of a nine-year-old, said she would rate it two stars, citing the squirrels and the botched sad moments, which she thinks may be related to the fact that normal people don't hold squirrel memorials.
The worst part is that I already bought the sequel on clearance, and she's insisting that I read it to her, which I am under absolute protest.
See the dragon on the cover? Go ahead and replace him with a squirrel, and then add the metafictional element that the unapologetic author insert is writing a story about the squirrel and his squirrel friends, doing squirrel stuff. Then add an obnoxious kid obsessed with the squirrels, a jammed-in love interest, and two maudlin squirrel funerals.
I reserve the toilet paper rating for the real stinkers, and congratulations d'Lacey, you've won a spot on my rarefied 1-star review list. My daughter, who has the discerning reading taste of a nine-year-old, said she would rate it two stars, citing the squirrels and the botched sad moments, which she thinks may be related to the fact that normal people don't hold squirrel memorials.
The worst part is that I already bought the sequel on clearance, and she's insisting that I read it to her, which I am under absolute protest.
February 17, 2016
This is the first book in a middle grade series about David, a college student, who moves in to live with a mother and her daughter. The mother, Liz, makes those clay dragons and David believes there is something strange going on in the house and is doubtful as to whether the dragons are real or not. (Spoiler alert: they are)
This was a quick, fun read but i would have enjoyed it more had i read it when i first acquired it: six years ago. Also, practically the entire plot was revolving around rescuing this injured squirrel and only in the last like, 40 pages did we actually get involved with any real dragons so that kind of put me off; i signed up for a dragon story not a squirrel story if you know what i mean. But still it was well-written and i did like the ending so i think that youngsters, or people who generally enjoy middle-grade books, would appreciate it.
This was a quick, fun read but i would have enjoyed it more had i read it when i first acquired it: six years ago. Also, practically the entire plot was revolving around rescuing this injured squirrel and only in the last like, 40 pages did we actually get involved with any real dragons so that kind of put me off; i signed up for a dragon story not a squirrel story if you know what i mean. But still it was well-written and i did like the ending so i think that youngsters, or people who generally enjoy middle-grade books, would appreciate it.
November 20, 2020
4 stars.
This was just as amazing as I remembered it being. I liked all the characters. Lucy, the 11 yr old girl, definitely had a spark in her (no pun intended). Her mum Liz made me giggle and smile a few times. David the 20 yr old tenant, was also the kind of character I really enjoy. Also later on in the story is a new character who gets introduced and I like her too. But I won't spoil that.
The story has a huge focus on Squirrels but don't see that as maybe being a downside. It adds to the story and it's got enough parts about Dragons that it all works.
I can't wait to read the rest in the series. Its a great book for any age. (Very mild romance that can easily be seen as nothing.)
This was just as amazing as I remembered it being. I liked all the characters. Lucy, the 11 yr old girl, definitely had a spark in her (no pun intended). Her mum Liz made me giggle and smile a few times. David the 20 yr old tenant, was also the kind of character I really enjoy. Also later on in the story is a new character who gets introduced and I like her too. But I won't spoil that.
The story has a huge focus on Squirrels but don't see that as maybe being a downside. It adds to the story and it's got enough parts about Dragons that it all works.
I can't wait to read the rest in the series. Its a great book for any age. (Very mild romance that can easily be seen as nothing.)
October 23, 2011
The Fire Within is one of those books that might not seem very special, or as if it would be a worthwhile read, yet is actually a story that will touch the hearts of all who decide to open its cover. In my opinion, the writing style of this first installment is most suitable for someone of a younger age than my own, yet the themes expressed have the ability to capture anyone's interest. This easy read is a favorite of mine and will always remain so.
Throughout the entirety of the novel, a prevalent theme becomes evident; We all have a fire within us, and it is called creativity. This message is expressed in every essence of The Fire Within. The protagonist, David Rain, finds his fire within while discovering inspiration. David manages this only with the help of his special dragon, Gadzooks who often writes ideas down on the notepad he was kilned with. David receives inspiring ideas from Gadzooks only in his imagination. Or does he?
Again, this seemingly trivial read is actually a book I wish all of humanity had the chance of reading. The thought-provoking themes the author provides will undoubtedly effect the current generation of readers. I am quite fond of The Fire Within and the rest of the Last Dragon Chronicles as well, which I hope to be reviewing in the near future. Truly, Chris D'Lacey has constructed a beautiful, touching, and adventurous novel that will kindle the fire within each and every one of his fans, including me. ;-)
Throughout the entirety of the novel, a prevalent theme becomes evident; We all have a fire within us, and it is called creativity. This message is expressed in every essence of The Fire Within. The protagonist, David Rain, finds his fire within while discovering inspiration. David manages this only with the help of his special dragon, Gadzooks who often writes ideas down on the notepad he was kilned with. David receives inspiring ideas from Gadzooks only in his imagination. Or does he?
Again, this seemingly trivial read is actually a book I wish all of humanity had the chance of reading. The thought-provoking themes the author provides will undoubtedly effect the current generation of readers. I am quite fond of The Fire Within and the rest of the Last Dragon Chronicles as well, which I hope to be reviewing in the near future. Truly, Chris D'Lacey has constructed a beautiful, touching, and adventurous novel that will kindle the fire within each and every one of his fans, including me. ;-)
March 1, 2019
I was recommended this book because dragons. And while I did ultimately enjoy it, there simply were not ENOUGH dragons for my tastes. My actual rating is 3.5 Stars, but I'm rounding up (because dragons).
The dragons play a small -- albeit important -- part in this tale. The story is about the burgeoning friendship between tenant David, his landlord Liz, and her daughter Lucy. I liked the characters and their interactions (though the writing voice felt too young, even for me).
I really liked the unique take on the dragons, but unfortunately dragons aren't the focus of the story. The focus is on the drama of the neighborhood squirrels, and while I found that story charming, it wasn't the story I wanted to read. I wanted to read about the magical clay dragons, what they do, where they came from, how it came to pass that they ended up with Liz and Lucy. We get a taste of the clay dragon mythos, but only a small one. That, to me, was the more compelling storyline, and I spent the whole book waiting for the author to get around to it. But alas, as I realized too late, the book wasn't really meant to be about the dragons. It was more about the humans (and the squirrels).
The book is still well-written. I do give D'Lacey points for his characters, who are lovely, and for his genuinely heartfelt squirrel-centric storyline. I'm not sure I'll venture into the rest of the series, though, unless I can be assured that the dragons play a bigger role in the later books.
The dragons play a small -- albeit important -- part in this tale. The story is about the burgeoning friendship between tenant David, his landlord Liz, and her daughter Lucy. I liked the characters and their interactions (though the writing voice felt too young, even for me).
I really liked the unique take on the dragons, but unfortunately dragons aren't the focus of the story. The focus is on the drama of the neighborhood squirrels, and while I found that story charming, it wasn't the story I wanted to read. I wanted to read about the magical clay dragons, what they do, where they came from, how it came to pass that they ended up with Liz and Lucy. We get a taste of the clay dragon mythos, but only a small one. That, to me, was the more compelling storyline, and I spent the whole book waiting for the author to get around to it. But alas, as I realized too late, the book wasn't really meant to be about the dragons. It was more about the humans (and the squirrels).
The book is still well-written. I do give D'Lacey points for his characters, who are lovely, and for his genuinely heartfelt squirrel-centric storyline. I'm not sure I'll venture into the rest of the series, though, unless I can be assured that the dragons play a bigger role in the later books.
March 20, 2014
This book was not a terrible book, but it was defiantly not great. I did not like this book very much. I was hoping that it would be more focused about dragons than it was. The plot wasn't very good, and it was very shallow. I wished it would have been more interesting than it was. The book was mostly about squirrels and that was disappointing, because the cover had a dragon on it. When I picked it up I thought I was going to get a very interesting story about dragons. I would not recommend this book to someone unless they really love squirrels. The characters were not down to earth, David who is supposed to be in college, is helping a little girl who he has just met find squirrels. I find this very hard to relate to. The parts that were about dragons, on the other hand, were interesting, I wished there would have been more of it in the book. That was the only reason I kept reading, it was so I could figure out some of the mysteries around the dragons. Like how does Liz fire the dragons without a kiln, and to figure out if the dragons were actually real. If it were not for those small parts thrown into the story I would have stopped reading and found another book to read. Overall it wasn't a terrible book, but it could have had a lot more potential than what it was used for.
January 4, 2014
I normally love books by British authors but I didn't finish this one.
While it had some unusual characters and several funny lines, the plot was too ambiguous... and meandering.
And there were far too many squirrels. Where did all the squirrels come from? It's supposed to be a book about dragons. All the dragons do is write in notepads, make strange noises, and cry, etc. And I'm supposed to care about some squirrel dying just because the annoying little girl is obsessed with them?
I guess squirrels have never held much drama for me.
In case you're wondering, I won't be reading the sequels.
While it had some unusual characters and several funny lines, the plot was too ambiguous... and meandering.
And there were far too many squirrels. Where did all the squirrels come from? It's supposed to be a book about dragons. All the dragons do is write in notepads, make strange noises, and cry, etc. And I'm supposed to care about some squirrel dying just because the annoying little girl is obsessed with them?
I guess squirrels have never held much drama for me.
In case you're wondering, I won't be reading the sequels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2019
First reread of 2019!
I decided to go back and at least read the first book of one of my favorite middle grade series of all time, The Last Dragon Chronicles. I read it in a day and now I want to get all the books together and binge read it. It brings back so many memories of hiding under a blanket with a flashlight and reading, trying not to get in trouble. it's such a fun adventure full of dragons, squirrels, and a young writer struggling with accepting a strange world.
Chris D'Lacey is someone that I will always be interested in. I hope to read more of his writing in the future. He is such a great storyteller for a younger audience.
I decided to go back and at least read the first book of one of my favorite middle grade series of all time, The Last Dragon Chronicles. I read it in a day and now I want to get all the books together and binge read it. It brings back so many memories of hiding under a blanket with a flashlight and reading, trying not to get in trouble. it's such a fun adventure full of dragons, squirrels, and a young writer struggling with accepting a strange world.
Chris D'Lacey is someone that I will always be interested in. I hope to read more of his writing in the future. He is such a great storyteller for a younger audience.
January 20, 2022
A magical little book. I remembered this series by chance from my childhood the other week, and decided to give it a read. I was worried my rose tinted memories wouldnt stand up to a another go, but this really is a great little book. The characters are great, the plot is good fun and (i think) pretty original, and its AMBITIOUS, which is what i really look for in books. D'Lacey might not be Hemingway but he is talented and i think he's got a great imagination, and i love that he tries things out and experiments with more risque plot elements than you might normally find in a kids book. Top story writing, a great book all round.
July 30, 2014
When I first opened it I thought it would be an okay book, if a little childish, but basically the writing was terrible. The parts with the dragons were swallowed up in a side story about squirrels that was completely unrealistic. Maybe if I was younger it would have seemed better.
August 5, 2021
Another reread from my childhood. I vividly remember blasting through the first four or five books in a night each as a kid, but all I really remember about the story is clay dragons, Gadzooks, and a polar bear and a white hedgehog. So it's once again time to see how well a childhood favourite holds up. Turns out pretty well.
The Fire Within follows David, a geography student looking for a place to stay. He moves into the spare room of the house of Liz Pennykettle. Liz and her daughter Lucy are pretty strange. Liz makes dragons out of clay, and the house is covered with them. But the words of squirrel-obsessed Lucy seem to imply that the dragons are more than just pretty ornaments. And as strange things begin to happen around the house, David begins to suspect that there's more to the Pennykettles than meets they eye.
This is a charming little story. It has surprisingly low stakes for a book about living dragon statues. Honestly, take out the dragons and you still have a solid contemporary story about saving an injured squirrel from the perils of suburban living. It's a fun, fast-paced story that you can easily breeze through, and it's got some real heart. There are some moments of genuine emotion, some surprising twists, and some pretty great atmospheric and emotional writing. There were some parts where I began to feel it was a little bit dragged out, which is surprising for such a short book.
The characters are likable and entertaining, if one-dimensional, but it's disappointing that you don't really learn anything about David. It's implied he's a geography student, it's implied he plays the guitar, he's caring, he's definitely creative, and definitely very awkward, but that's about the extent of what you learn about him. The relationships the characters form are quite cute, though the romance is underdeveloped. But then, I don't really expect developed romance from a children's book.
There were much fewer supernatural elements than I remembered the series having. I suppose it will get more into the magical side of the story as the series progresses. As it is, the worldbuilding is nice and simple, and there are some intriguing things set up for later in the series.
Overall, this is a solid children's book, and I will read the rest of the series.
The Fire Within follows David, a geography student looking for a place to stay. He moves into the spare room of the house of Liz Pennykettle. Liz and her daughter Lucy are pretty strange. Liz makes dragons out of clay, and the house is covered with them. But the words of squirrel-obsessed Lucy seem to imply that the dragons are more than just pretty ornaments. And as strange things begin to happen around the house, David begins to suspect that there's more to the Pennykettles than meets they eye.
This is a charming little story. It has surprisingly low stakes for a book about living dragon statues. Honestly, take out the dragons and you still have a solid contemporary story about saving an injured squirrel from the perils of suburban living. It's a fun, fast-paced story that you can easily breeze through, and it's got some real heart. There are some moments of genuine emotion, some surprising twists, and some pretty great atmospheric and emotional writing. There were some parts where I began to feel it was a little bit dragged out, which is surprising for such a short book.
The characters are likable and entertaining, if one-dimensional, but it's disappointing that you don't really learn anything about David. It's implied he's a geography student, it's implied he plays the guitar, he's caring, he's definitely creative, and definitely very awkward, but that's about the extent of what you learn about him. The relationships the characters form are quite cute, though the romance is underdeveloped. But then, I don't really expect developed romance from a children's book.
There were much fewer supernatural elements than I remembered the series having. I suppose it will get more into the magical side of the story as the series progresses. As it is, the worldbuilding is nice and simple, and there are some intriguing things set up for later in the series.
Overall, this is a solid children's book, and I will read the rest of the series.
September 16, 2022
This was such a charming book about SQUIRRELS.
But like also the little dragons were cute and the gaslighting was adorable so I do wanna keep going to see just how magical these dragons can get. Also SNIGGER AND THE NUTBEAST. I too aspire to write thinly veiled smut to corrupt the young minds of America some day. One detriment, I know I haven't been 10 years old in 18 years but, she seemed as immature as maybe a 4 year old?? I don't remember being like that at 10.
But like also the little dragons were cute and the gaslighting was adorable so I do wanna keep going to see just how magical these dragons can get. Also SNIGGER AND THE NUTBEAST. I too aspire to write thinly veiled smut to corrupt the young minds of America some day. One detriment, I know I haven't been 10 years old in 18 years but, she seemed as immature as maybe a 4 year old?? I don't remember being like that at 10.
June 10, 2015
This book is so adorable! It has long time since I've read a children's book so engaging. The Fire Within was the perfect book to take me from the reading slump i was going to.
You know that book that catches your inner child and stirs your imagination? The book that makes you subtly believe in magic, but the way that only a child can.
This book made me laugh and cheer for all the characters, I got hooked by the plot and its mysteries, with that excitement that a child has when he's about to hear a story. This book made me feel that satisfaction when things go right, and sorrow when everything is going down the wrong path.
The narrative of this book is so welcoming, that makes you feel inside the story, feel the warmth of Liz's house, and imagine all the dragons that live there. Now, I would love to have my own clay dragon, but i want a special one.
You know that book that catches your inner child and stirs your imagination? The book that makes you subtly believe in magic, but the way that only a child can.
This book made me laugh and cheer for all the characters, I got hooked by the plot and its mysteries, with that excitement that a child has when he's about to hear a story. This book made me feel that satisfaction when things go right, and sorrow when everything is going down the wrong path.
The narrative of this book is so welcoming, that makes you feel inside the story, feel the warmth of Liz's house, and imagine all the dragons that live there. Now, I would love to have my own clay dragon, but i want a special one.
September 11, 2008
When college student David decides to board with Liz and her daughter Lucy he soon discovers all is not as it seems. Liz makes clay model dragons to sell, and Lucy is a rambunctious kid who really wants to find out where all the squirrels have gone. When Liz gives David his own dragon, Gadzooks, a tiny little dragon chewing on the end of a pencil, David's life takes some unexpected turns.
This wasn't exactly a dragon book, in the sense of having a dragon as a main character. It was an interesting and creative story, but told rather simply and with distractingly bad paragraph breaks.
This wasn't exactly a dragon book, in the sense of having a dragon as a main character. It was an interesting and creative story, but told rather simply and with distractingly bad paragraph breaks.
December 5, 2007
A magical adventure about the power of dragons...
When David moves in with Elizabeth Pennykettle and her eleven-year-old daughter, Lucy, he discovers a collection of clay dragons that come to life. David's own special dragon inspires him to wrote a story, which reveals the secrets behind a mystery. In order to solve the mystery and to save his dragon, David must master the magic of the fire within--not only with his hands but also his heart.
When David moves in with Elizabeth Pennykettle and her eleven-year-old daughter, Lucy, he discovers a collection of clay dragons that come to life. David's own special dragon inspires him to wrote a story, which reveals the secrets behind a mystery. In order to solve the mystery and to save his dragon, David must master the magic of the fire within--not only with his hands but also his heart.
March 28, 2017
I was expecting a fantasy book about dragons but it was really just a book about a college aged kid hanging out with a 7 year old, trying to capture and relocate a squirrel. The writing wasn't bad, although a tad basic, my only disappointment was with the intense focus on squirrels and the complete and total miss when it came to trying to hit my heartstrings. Maybe it's a cultural thing, but I've never met anyone that's even likes squirrels
February 20, 2025
I’m reading this series per my husband’s request, it was his favorite childhood series. If I were 10-12 reading this I would have enjoyed it just fine, and I enjoyed reading it now at 26. But you can tell this is an early book for this author and this first book has a lot to do with squirrels…I am told the books get better. The overall story and lore is intriguing and I do look forward to learning more about this little world.
March 30, 2023
The last thirty pages of this book were amazing.
But the other three hundred pages were about squirrels, weird neighbors, more squirrels, a story about squirrels, even more squirrels, and a clay dragon chewing a pencil.
So yeah not super interesting unless you like a lot of squirrels with a tiny amount of dragon mixed in.
But the other three hundred pages were about squirrels, weird neighbors, more squirrels, a story about squirrels, even more squirrels, and a clay dragon chewing a pencil.
So yeah not super interesting unless you like a lot of squirrels with a tiny amount of dragon mixed in.
March 26, 2021
2.5 ✨
This book was alright, it felt a little all over the place. The writing was simple but quite mystical, however the lack of plot and little action left me feeling bored. This would be a good book for younger readers though.
This book was alright, it felt a little all over the place. The writing was simple but quite mystical, however the lack of plot and little action left me feeling bored. This would be a good book for younger readers though.
March 30, 2024
Too much squirrels, not enough dragons.
The lore is really interesting, but it is only a small part of the book. Instead it’s kind of a slice of life where the characters are annoying each other for no reason and the main conflict is catching squirrels even though there’s a dragon on the cover.
The lore is really interesting, but it is only a small part of the book. Instead it’s kind of a slice of life where the characters are annoying each other for no reason and the main conflict is catching squirrels even though there’s a dragon on the cover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 30, 2023This book brings back so many mems.
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