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Dragon Masters #8
Roar of the Thunder Dragon: A Branches Book
Pick a book. Grow a Reader!
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
In book #8, Drake and the rest of the Dragon Masters are searching for Lalo the baby Lightning Dragon! Lalo was kidnapped by Eko -- Griffith's first Dragon Master. Eko ran away with her Thunder Dragon, Neru, years ago. Now she's back and she wants to kidnap every dragon in the kingdom! Can Drake and the other Dragon Masters rescue Lalo and stop Eko before it's too late?
This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!
In book #8, Drake and the rest of the Dragon Masters are searching for Lalo the baby Lightning Dragon! Lalo was kidnapped by Eko -- Griffith's first Dragon Master. Eko ran away with her Thunder Dragon, Neru, years ago. Now she's back and she wants to kidnap every dragon in the kingdom! Can Drake and the other Dragon Masters rescue Lalo and stop Eko before it's too late?
96 pages, Library Binding
Published September 12, 2017
849 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Tracey West
723 books540 followersTracey West is the New York Times bestselling author of Dragon Masters, a series in the Scholastic Branches line. She has written more than 400 books for kids, including the Pixie Tricks series and the Underdogs series with Kyla May.
Some readers also know Tracey for writing books based on animation such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago.
She currently lives in the western Catskills of New York with her husband, Bill; their adopted dogs; and a whole mess of chickens.
Some readers also know Tracey for writing books based on animation such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago.
She currently lives in the western Catskills of New York with her husband, Bill; their adopted dogs; and a whole mess of chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
February 5, 2020
Hands down the best book of the series! I love the topical content! Are the dragons slaves? Are they being held against their wills? A critical discussion assuredly ensues! Great for teaching!
October 13, 2020
A few years ago I read this series to my son. My youngest daughter really enjoyed it and the three of us read them. This year my youngest has been reading them to me. And we are a few books behind this one. But recently I had 2 of my nephews up for a week, and the younger one read me this book in 2 sittings over 2 days. He was required to read for half an hour a day, and both times he went over to finish a chapter and the second time to finish the book. The first time I read these books to my children we only got to book 7 so this story was completely new for me.
This series really has staying power. I have read some of the stories 4 or 5 times now. And have been reading them for over 4 years. And it is great to know that my brother’s family loves them as much as ours. We have been reading the eBook editions and his family has been reading the physical books. And it was fascinating to watch the kids interact and compare notes about the books that they are both reading.
One of the really nice things about this series is that it is a true series. Each story builds upon the next. Now yes that are strong enough to be read on their own, but as a whole we get to watch the growth of the group as they come together as a team and learn to work together and support each other.
In this volume Drake and the other Dragon masters are searching for the baby lightening dragon. Eko kidnapped the baby dragon, we find out that Eko was Griffith’s first dragon master and that he had ran away with his Thunder dragon. The pieces we learn in this story help us understand Griffith much better, but also King Roland and his concern and protection of his dragons. To find out if Drake and the Dragon Masters can stop Eko you will read to read this fun and entertaining book.
This is another excellent read in a great series. They are excellent book for young readers, but also entertaining enough for older readers. I am impressed with the staying power of this series. After multiple reads over several years I still really enjoy returning to the Dragon Masters.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Tracey West.
This series really has staying power. I have read some of the stories 4 or 5 times now. And have been reading them for over 4 years. And it is great to know that my brother’s family loves them as much as ours. We have been reading the eBook editions and his family has been reading the physical books. And it was fascinating to watch the kids interact and compare notes about the books that they are both reading.
One of the really nice things about this series is that it is a true series. Each story builds upon the next. Now yes that are strong enough to be read on their own, but as a whole we get to watch the growth of the group as they come together as a team and learn to work together and support each other.
In this volume Drake and the other Dragon masters are searching for the baby lightening dragon. Eko kidnapped the baby dragon, we find out that Eko was Griffith’s first dragon master and that he had ran away with his Thunder dragon. The pieces we learn in this story help us understand Griffith much better, but also King Roland and his concern and protection of his dragons. To find out if Drake and the Dragon Masters can stop Eko you will read to read this fun and entertaining book.
This is another excellent read in a great series. They are excellent book for young readers, but also entertaining enough for older readers. I am impressed with the staying power of this series. After multiple reads over several years I still really enjoy returning to the Dragon Masters.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Tracey West.
August 31, 2022
Sometimes I wonder why I'm so invested in this chapter book series, and then Tracey West pulls an excellent plot twist like this. Good writing is good writing, no matter who it's for.
September 5, 2018
How is there any question of right and wrong? The king kidnaps dragons and young children and locks them away from other people and their own families. They are only there for the king's desire to show off his trophies. Yes, the dragons and dragon masters belong together. No, they do not belong trapped in the king's castle waiting for his beck and call. Eko isn't evil; she just has a brain. Rori isn't bad; she just can't stand injustice. Now, it is time for the rest of the characters to grow up and do what is right. This one actually made me kind of angry.
January 16, 2023
The Dragon Master v8
Lalo the baby dragon has been kidnapped by the first dragon master Eko. Can the current dragon masters save him.
Lalo the baby dragon has been kidnapped by the first dragon master Eko. Can the current dragon masters save him.
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September 13, 2024Galen finished on September 13, 2024. He’d read the first two chapters a while ago, but I don’t remember when, and he finished the rest today.
October 25, 2017
Hey there, fellow parents. My kids love these books. Can we agree that parts of this series are inexplicable? The king's an entitled jerk. The dragon masters and their dragons live in a dungeon and aren't allowed outside. Griffith is a controlling dude. Everyone's left their families. The dragons are sad about it, but not the kids?
In this instalment, all of that starts to unravel as Eko, a past student and pretty serious dragon master badass, arrives with her Thunder dragon to call things out and demand change. She feels like the character I've been waiting for. I was pretty excited by her arrival and hope it doesn't get swept under the rug in successive books, though I'm not the target demographic here.
In this instalment, all of that starts to unravel as Eko, a past student and pretty serious dragon master badass, arrives with her Thunder dragon to call things out and demand change. She feels like the character I've been waiting for. I was pretty excited by her arrival and hope it doesn't get swept under the rug in successive books, though I'm not the target demographic here.
January 17, 2018
I liked this book because I like dragon master books. I didn't like this book because I didn't like the part when Eko and her thunder dragon escaped.
April 3, 2018
My kiddos love these books. They are simple enough for my 6-year-old to read without becoming confused by too complex a plot. Too simple for me, but they aren't written for me. :)
November 10, 2021
Only posting #8 because Griffith the wizard transformed an onion into a carriage for a wedding like they did in Shrek 2. Once again 10/10 content lol
February 22, 2022
Another gripping installment.
March 17, 2025
It's fun, happy and interesting. A book I would suggest for a 3rd grader and a book I would want to read. Even thought I don't like reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2025
Surprisingly fun and engaging story. My child is loving this series — the illustrations are great and the writing is perfect for early elementary readers to understand and enjoy.
July 15, 2024
My 6 year old said this one was her favorite in the series so far! We have so much fun reading these books together! I am equally invested in the characters and storyline as well! We love making predictions and guessing what type of new dragon will be introduced next!
July 4, 2025
My 5 year old loves this series and I love reading them to her! Every chance I get, I gift one or more of these books to her so we can read them together.
September 12, 2017
(Rating and words of the review are those of my 6-year-old daughter.) Plot? "There was someone called Lalo (she's evil), and she kidnapped a baby lightning dragon from its Dragon Master." Favorite part? "I don't think I actually had a favorite part." What was your least favorite part? "When they had to fight Lalo." Why? "Because the grass burned into fires." What part did you think was good? "I was most excited about the last part, because I think the new girl will be in the next book."
July 20, 2019
Please note that this review is written for my use as a librarian and may not appeal directly to readers. Please review at your own risk.
Accelerated Reader has this book listed as being for lower grades, or readers in Kindergarten to 3rd grade. They also have listed that this read is worth 1 AR point.
This book was alright. I would like to know more about Eko. I’ve been annoyed with Rori for a long time, and I’m hoping that this character development will continue for her and she’ll be more deserving of love like we feel for Drake.
Caution Notes*:
None - very small children may be frightened or sad, but that’s about it.
Recommended for:
First and second graders who are into dragons, monsters, or fantasy creatures.
Summary:
The lightning dragon, Lalo, has been taken by a mysterious woman on a Thunder Dragon as we saw at the end of the last book. The dragon masters set out to find them and get very close when a dangerous storm sends them back home. Back home, the king is getting married to kind Queen Rose. He wants all of the dragons present for the wedding ceremony. During the wedding parade, Eko returns with her Thunder dragon and Lalo and demands that the other dragons be turned over to her as well, because they were wrongly taken from their homes. Rori and Vulcan attempt to defend everyone and end up almost burning up the king and queen. Griffith yells at Rori and she takes it very badly. In the end, Lalo is returned to his home with Carlos, but Rori helps Eko escape and leaves with her and their two dragons. Once it is discovered that she is gone, Mina shows up and requests the help of the dragon masters.
---
*Caution notes are not to say, don’t read the book. I only include these so that those individuals who have particular themes they do not like to read about or are not ready for their kids to read about are aware. I do not support censoring. :)
Accelerated Reader has this book listed as being for lower grades, or readers in Kindergarten to 3rd grade. They also have listed that this read is worth 1 AR point.
This book was alright. I would like to know more about Eko. I’ve been annoyed with Rori for a long time, and I’m hoping that this character development will continue for her and she’ll be more deserving of love like we feel for Drake.
Caution Notes*:
None - very small children may be frightened or sad, but that’s about it.
Recommended for:
First and second graders who are into dragons, monsters, or fantasy creatures.
Summary:
The lightning dragon, Lalo, has been taken by a mysterious woman on a Thunder Dragon as we saw at the end of the last book. The dragon masters set out to find them and get very close when a dangerous storm sends them back home. Back home, the king is getting married to kind Queen Rose. He wants all of the dragons present for the wedding ceremony. During the wedding parade, Eko returns with her Thunder dragon and Lalo and demands that the other dragons be turned over to her as well, because they were wrongly taken from their homes. Rori and Vulcan attempt to defend everyone and end up almost burning up the king and queen. Griffith yells at Rori and she takes it very badly. In the end, Lalo is returned to his home with Carlos, but Rori helps Eko escape and leaves with her and their two dragons. Once it is discovered that she is gone, Mina shows up and requests the help of the dragon masters.
---
*Caution notes are not to say, don’t read the book. I only include these so that those individuals who have particular themes they do not like to read about or are not ready for their kids to read about are aware. I do not support censoring. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2023
Roar of a Thunder Dragon is a thrilling addition to the Dragon Masters series by Tracey West. In this book, the Dragon Masters are on a mission to find Eko, the first student of Griffith, the wizard who trained them. Eko is still alive and caring for Lalo, the baby Lightning Dragon born in the previous book, Flight of the Moon Dragon.
The story is full of adventure and danger as Drake, Carlos, and Lalo search for Eko and the Thunder Dragon. The Lightning Dragon is still a baby but is already powerful and unpredictable, and the Dragon Masters have to be careful not to get hurt by his lightning strikes.
What makes this book so interesting is how the author describes the dragons and their abilities. If you thought a regular thunderstorm was scary, wait until you read about what a Thunder Dragon can do. The descriptions of the dragons and their powers are vivid and captivating.
The characters are also well-developed, and readers who have followed the series will enjoy seeing Drake, Carlos, and Lalo again. Adding Eko to the story adds a new dynamic and her knowledge of magic is an important asset in their quest.
Overall, Roar of a Thunder Dragon is a must-read for fans of the Dragon Masters series. The story is exciting, the characters are engaging, and the world of the dragons is fascinating. The life lesson about balancing freedom and responsibility is also valuable for young readers.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the world of Dragons? Then click the link to purchase your own copy. It's a great way to experience the magic of this incredible book.
https://amzn.to/3YYz0Dr
I put together an awesome review of this book. Make sure to watch the full version on my YouTube channel!
https://youtu.be/oGLgBHrrioY
The story is full of adventure and danger as Drake, Carlos, and Lalo search for Eko and the Thunder Dragon. The Lightning Dragon is still a baby but is already powerful and unpredictable, and the Dragon Masters have to be careful not to get hurt by his lightning strikes.
What makes this book so interesting is how the author describes the dragons and their abilities. If you thought a regular thunderstorm was scary, wait until you read about what a Thunder Dragon can do. The descriptions of the dragons and their powers are vivid and captivating.
The characters are also well-developed, and readers who have followed the series will enjoy seeing Drake, Carlos, and Lalo again. Adding Eko to the story adds a new dynamic and her knowledge of magic is an important asset in their quest.
Overall, Roar of a Thunder Dragon is a must-read for fans of the Dragon Masters series. The story is exciting, the characters are engaging, and the world of the dragons is fascinating. The life lesson about balancing freedom and responsibility is also valuable for young readers.
Are you ready to immerse yourself in the world of Dragons? Then click the link to purchase your own copy. It's a great way to experience the magic of this incredible book.
https://amzn.to/3YYz0Dr
I put together an awesome review of this book. Make sure to watch the full version on my YouTube channel!
https://youtu.be/oGLgBHrrioY
April 19, 2019
{My thoughts} – King Roland has decided that he wants to marry Queen Rose. He wants to have a small wedding that starts with a parade of the dragons. While they are having the parade a bad storm appears outside. The storm is caused by none other than the new villain Eko. Eko has a Thunder Dragon names Neru and she uses him to help make the storm. She also has the Baby Lightning Dragon tethered to Neru since she’d dragon napped him in the last book. Between Lalo and Nero’s power she is able to cook up a pretty nasty storm.
Rori thinks she knows more then Griffith in this book. She intentionally disobeys because, lets face it, this has been coming. She goes and tries to battle Eko on her own with her dragon. It doesn’t go as well as she thought once she and her dragon fall from the sky. Rori ends up getting upset and then she rebels. We saw that coming with her personality build up.
Griffith and the Dragon Masters however, didn’t see it coming. Drake did, but that’s because he’d been carefully watching her. Worm also has been keeping an eye on things and told Drake what he saw happen by the Dragon Caves. When everyone else gets to the Dragon Caves Drake tells them what he knows.
Now the Dragon Masters have to search for two other Dragon Masters and two other Dragons. When this book ends they have a surprise Dragon Master visitor asking them for help. I really love how well this series can pull the reader in making them want more of the story! I look forward to reading the next book soon.
Rori thinks she knows more then Griffith in this book. She intentionally disobeys because, lets face it, this has been coming. She goes and tries to battle Eko on her own with her dragon. It doesn’t go as well as she thought once she and her dragon fall from the sky. Rori ends up getting upset and then she rebels. We saw that coming with her personality build up.
Griffith and the Dragon Masters however, didn’t see it coming. Drake did, but that’s because he’d been carefully watching her. Worm also has been keeping an eye on things and told Drake what he saw happen by the Dragon Caves. When everyone else gets to the Dragon Caves Drake tells them what he knows.
Now the Dragon Masters have to search for two other Dragon Masters and two other Dragons. When this book ends they have a surprise Dragon Master visitor asking them for help. I really love how well this series can pull the reader in making them want more of the story! I look forward to reading the next book soon.
October 22, 2019
I haven't read any others in this series, we found them at the public library when I was looking for chapter books for my 7yo to read. He has been working his way through the series and I ended up reading this one to him after he broke his arm :( so I got a look at what they covered.
These would be excellent early chapter books. There seems to be a cast of several characters and each character has their own dragon with different powers. They work together to solve problems, and in this particular one there were some questions about authority, and how to do the right thing. I can see why he enjoys them, definitely a fun adventure story. They're not what I would qualify as great epic literature or anything, but enjoyable stories that do raise some interesting questions for kids (the book has questions in the back to ask as you're reading, which was also a neat touch to get them thinking about the story and what they might do in a situation).
Not gonna be a hit if you don't want magic in your books (possibly obviously), but otherwise, adventure away.
These would be excellent early chapter books. There seems to be a cast of several characters and each character has their own dragon with different powers. They work together to solve problems, and in this particular one there were some questions about authority, and how to do the right thing. I can see why he enjoys them, definitely a fun adventure story. They're not what I would qualify as great epic literature or anything, but enjoyable stories that do raise some interesting questions for kids (the book has questions in the back to ask as you're reading, which was also a neat touch to get them thinking about the story and what they might do in a situation).
Not gonna be a hit if you don't want magic in your books (possibly obviously), but otherwise, adventure away.
February 13, 2018
Carlos's dragon Lalo has been take by Eko, a Dragon Master who uses her powers for causing trouble. When King Roland decides to marry Rose, the Dragon Masters are instructed to form a parade for them, which should be a lot of fun.
When Eko attacks with Lalo and her dragon Neru, the Dragon Masters are put to the test. But what if there's more to Eko than they were led to believe? The Dragon Masters have plenty of decision to make in this one and it's made harder when a thunder dragon roars nearby.
ROAR OF THE THUNDER DRAGON is a fast-paced dragon book that fits perfectly in with the others in the Dragon Masters Series. The pictures give the words life as you read and you learn that the line between right and wrong isn't always as clear as it should be.
Final Verdict: This was an action-packed read that I would recommend to any fans of dragons. It's a perfect book for ages six and up that will spark a love for reading.
When Eko attacks with Lalo and her dragon Neru, the Dragon Masters are put to the test. But what if there's more to Eko than they were led to believe? The Dragon Masters have plenty of decision to make in this one and it's made harder when a thunder dragon roars nearby.
ROAR OF THE THUNDER DRAGON is a fast-paced dragon book that fits perfectly in with the others in the Dragon Masters Series. The pictures give the words life as you read and you learn that the line between right and wrong isn't always as clear as it should be.
Final Verdict: This was an action-packed read that I would recommend to any fans of dragons. It's a perfect book for ages six and up that will spark a love for reading.
April 4, 2019
The tension and conflict in this installment of the Dragon Masters series was truly superb! 5 stars!
We meet a former Dragon Master and her dragon, the Thunder Dragon, who seem formidable and unbeatable. But we learn a lot about the backstory and why Eko is doing what she is doing. There is a lot of conflict in this story, and we see one of our Dragon Masters dealing with a difficult scenario, which ended up being a great discussion point with my daughter, who read this in one sitting.
We decided to take a break before diving into the Ice Dragon book. I can't believe my daughter, who used to be reluctant reader, read 8 of these chapter books in less than a week. She loves them and so do I! I happened to be reading the epic fantasy novel The Name of the Wind at the same time but kept coming back to the Dragon Masters series instead. Haha!
We meet a former Dragon Master and her dragon, the Thunder Dragon, who seem formidable and unbeatable. But we learn a lot about the backstory and why Eko is doing what she is doing. There is a lot of conflict in this story, and we see one of our Dragon Masters dealing with a difficult scenario, which ended up being a great discussion point with my daughter, who read this in one sitting.
We decided to take a break before diving into the Ice Dragon book. I can't believe my daughter, who used to be reluctant reader, read 8 of these chapter books in less than a week. She loves them and so do I! I happened to be reading the epic fantasy novel The Name of the Wind at the same time but kept coming back to the Dragon Masters series instead. Haha!
September 25, 2019
This is a very good series. It has kept my 7 (almost 8 year old) engaged: the reading level is perfect for him, the topics are interesting for him, and it's got the right level of drama.
We've read the first 9 books, and so far my favorite is Book 8, Roar of the Thunder Dragon. This one really looks at moral dilemmas and has a lot of character growth. There is a sort of nemesis in this book, but not a bad person and I think that's what I love about this book most. It also harks back to an interesting point from the first book that hadn't really been mentioned in between (to my memory).
"If he wanted to be free, could I let him go?" - Drake, p 78
We've read the first 9 books, and so far my favorite is Book 8, Roar of the Thunder Dragon. This one really looks at moral dilemmas and has a lot of character growth. There is a sort of nemesis in this book, but not a bad person and I think that's what I love about this book most. It also harks back to an interesting point from the first book that hadn't really been mentioned in between (to my memory).
"If he wanted to be free, could I let him go?" - Drake, p 78
February 20, 2020
The worst yet. The king is even more of a jerk, and apparently he’s marrying a nice woman...tomorrow. And the dragon masters need to come up with a show for the wedding. Really? Having dragons pull a carriage? Aren’t they a secret? It reveals more about how the dragons are acquired, and the king claims they’re all his. Then you’ve got this strange idea that the dragons *want* to be with the kids, and it makes it sound like they have a bond...then why are they in cages? It’s pretty ridiculous. Rori runs off with Eko, a move that anyone should have seen coming. It’s hard to see who is in the right, but I think it more like,y that everyone is in the wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
I loved the moral dilemmas presented in this book! We get a rebellious previous dragon master that just wanted her dragon to be free of the king--which is a noble idea and totally makes sense! She is perhaps not doing it in the best way, but I totally sympathize with her motivations. I'm becoming more and more wary of Griffith the wizard, and I'm really hoping that we get some resolution to the idea of the dragons needing "masters" and not truly being free from the king. I like how this series presents interesting ideas in a kid friendly way. I'm really enjoying reading these short chapter books with my kids, and they love it too!
May 8, 2018
King Roland and Queen Rose are trying to get married but Eko and Neru are screwing it up.
I saw what was going to happen with Rori from the moment she attacked Eko. Rori is both hot headed and easily offended. That's a bad combo.
I hope we get to see a lot more Carlos and Lalo. They are both adorable. I wish that they had figured even more into this story line.
I know that every book is about a new dragon, but I was still shocked by the introduction of a new master asking for help at the end.
I saw what was going to happen with Rori from the moment she attacked Eko. Rori is both hot headed and easily offended. That's a bad combo.
I hope we get to see a lot more Carlos and Lalo. They are both adorable. I wish that they had figured even more into this story line.
I know that every book is about a new dragon, but I was still shocked by the introduction of a new master asking for help at the end.
July 16, 2018
My 5 year old loves these books like he hasn't any other so far and always eagerly awaits each new chapter and book. This one however is slightly more interesting still than the others because for the first time the Dragon Masters are faced with a non-obvious dillema of who is right, who is good, who is bad and who's side they should pick! I find it very stimulating for having very interesting conversations with young children, and therefore book 8 is my personal favourite so far!
April 3, 2024
Love the colours on the cover. Unfortunately, there are some typos (e.g. “color” instead of “collar” on p22). It’s so sweet when Worm says that Drake is his home. They have the kind of bond that we all share with our beloved animals. Griffith keeping secrets from the dragon masters has now blown up in his face – and I’m sure that the following books will work on the resolution and the rest of the lesson.
May 18, 2020
My son read the whole series, so I'm pausing with my adult reads and flying through these to have our first book-talks as father and son. It's wonderful! We talk about each one, and he loves that I'm finding out stuff that he's already read. He now understands the concept of spoilers and has some fun with those.
August 17, 2021
Especially by the time you're at the 8th book, you have to know what to expect from these from the standpoints of things like plot and character development. For me, it's a fun, safe, and nicely illustrated read at bedtime with the kids. These books are quite short, though, so we get through them very quickly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews