Dragons of Argonath

Bazil Broketail #6

by Christopher Rowley

A SORCEROR'S REIGN OF CHAOS
Battle-scarred and weary, the mighty Bazil Broketail and dragoneer Relkin return home to cheering crowds, great feasts, and raging bonfires. But now, out of the mists and across the green valleys of their native land comes the savage clamor of war, pitting Bazil and Relkin against an enemy more terrifying than any they have confronted before.
A BATTLEDRAGON'S LAST STAND
The Dominator, crusher of worlds, has risen to sow royal intrigue and rebellion within the Empire of the Rose - a diabolical scheme that could destroy armies of men and battledragons alike. In this realm of treachery and bloodlust, Bazil and Relkin's beloved Empire teeters on the brink of annihilation. And as he raises his sword in defense of freedom, Relkin realizes that the only way to destroy the Dominator is to draw on his own untested - and frightening - powers of magic... A magic he might not be able to control.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Magic, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction

429 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 1998

About the author

Christopher Rowley is a prolific writer of both science fiction and fantasy novels. He was born in 1948 in Lynn, Massachusetts to an American mother and an English father. Educated for the most part at Brentwood School, Essex, England, he became a London-based journalist in the 1970s. In 1977 he moved to New York City and began work on The War For Eternity, his first science fiction novel. He currently lives in upstate New York.

Reviews

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baz and Relkin finally arrived back in Argonath after their adventures in the dark continent, but quickly settle down to normal life in the dragonhouse. While this 6th installment does not really break any new ground, Rowley pulled me into the story once again. After some 'filler', e.g., reading about the dragon boys and their reunion, etc., Rowley turns on the heat. It seems the Emperor of the Rose decided to tour Argonath to shore up support and such-- you know, wave the flag and all that. Unfortunately, the Emperor and his touring party, including the grey witch, get ambushed by something new. While they manage to escape (with the help of Baz and Relkin), a new evil has emerged, one called the Dominator...

Yes, another book, another great evil, and yes, Baz and Relkin step up to fight it. It has been a winning formula and it still works. Rowley does not give the reader halfass villains that is for sure. Each one seems even more nasty then the last! This installment plays a bit more with Relkin's magic; he has been 'touched' by ancient elves, beings from other 'levels' (some sort of world building that is never quite clear) and other magical beings. Here, Relkin sends a telepathic message (for example), but has no real idea of how he did it. Great pacing as usual (except for the slow start). 4 broketails!!

[Kryptomite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, this was a bit of a step down from the prior couple books. This part of the story suffered from Relkin's lack of participation. He often dealt with interrogations and minutia that separated him from several of the main story lines. Large portions of the book did not feature him at all. In his place, quite a few characters were introduced, none of which truly meant much to me whether they lived or died.

Furthermore the book started off way too aggressively, with a nearly endless fight that actually overshadowed the intensity of the end confrontation, which Relkin was also absent for a good portion of. It was implemented before much world building at all and carried on for many chapters. It was so impactful that the rest of the book felt like a strange slowdown in comparison.

I wish the book would have focused more on Relken's magical abilities that he's beginning to develop. It was by far the most interesting part of the book, and barely came into play throughout most of it.

Overall the book felt a bit rushed, and it was peppered with spelling/grammar errors. I'm hoping the next one is better, as it finishes up the series, and there have been a lot of good points that have drawn me in.

[Jb · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion the least memorable entry into the series, and that is not a knock on this book at all. It is a very compelling read and ties off several major story lines that had been building over the course of the books. It pumps some life into the villains and sets up for a great finale in book #7.

Combat as usual is great and the dragon/dragonboy banter is top notch. Great read.

[VirgoRat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know that this book was better than the rest, but I read faster than any of the others. I really enjoyed it. It was super fast paced in the beginning, and it continued to be an exciting read. I am just hooked on Baz and Relkin... The dragon/dragonboy back and forth has grown so enjoyable. I laughed a lot during the read. Now I grow saddened as I know the next is the final book.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inward look at the world that has been built up through six books. It kept a good pace, and we had some interesting looks at new characters, as well as some new perspective on old ones. Very much enjoyed this chapter of the series, and I look forward to seeing how it all wraps up in book seven!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites in this series.

[Pam Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bazil Broketail fantasy series is a hoot and a half.