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The Dragon Defenders #2
The Pitbull Returns
A best-selling, rip-roaring, page-turning tale of dragons and their brave child guardians, with mind-blowing, interactive augmented reality content accessible via free app AR Reads.
Evil boss The Pitbull has wasted nine months waiting for the dragon's egg he stole from Flynn and Paddy's paradise island to hatch. But when he discovers that it's nothing more than an egg-shaped rock, he flies into a terrible rage and returns, hell-bent on revenge. How will Flynn and Paddy ever be able to stop him this time?
The Dragon Defenders is a best-selling, much-loved series with themes of family, resourcefulness, teamwork, conservation and standing up for what you believe.
These books are also like nothing you've seen before. Simply download the free 'AR Reads' app, point your device at parts of the book and watch them turn into reality. Features include eye-popping 3D animations which rise up out of the pages, 2D animations, code crackers, and video and audio messages. the app is not necessary to enjoy the books; they're designed to be read either with or without the use of the app - it's your choice.
“Filled with action, wonderfully written, and contains positive messages about teamwork, courage, and sticking up for others. A rollicking adventure!”
Antony Millen, author of The Chain, Te Kauhanga & Redeeming Brother Murrihy
"A modern day Famous Five... parents and children alike will turn the pages without stopping!"
Angela Travers, Unity Books
"Another thrilling tale!"
Rachel Eade, Scorpio Books, Radio NZ critic
“Amazing! Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop!”
Jarvis Skilling, aged 10
“So exciting!”
Liam Harvey, age 9
“Unputdownable! We can't wait for the next one!"
Dylan and Luie Townsend, age 8
“Can’t wait ’til it’s a movie!”
James Charlesworth, age 11
“A great book!”
Caleb Woodfield, age 9
Evil boss The Pitbull has wasted nine months waiting for the dragon's egg he stole from Flynn and Paddy's paradise island to hatch. But when he discovers that it's nothing more than an egg-shaped rock, he flies into a terrible rage and returns, hell-bent on revenge. How will Flynn and Paddy ever be able to stop him this time?
The Dragon Defenders is a best-selling, much-loved series with themes of family, resourcefulness, teamwork, conservation and standing up for what you believe.
These books are also like nothing you've seen before. Simply download the free 'AR Reads' app, point your device at parts of the book and watch them turn into reality. Features include eye-popping 3D animations which rise up out of the pages, 2D animations, code crackers, and video and audio messages. the app is not necessary to enjoy the books; they're designed to be read either with or without the use of the app - it's your choice.
“Filled with action, wonderfully written, and contains positive messages about teamwork, courage, and sticking up for others. A rollicking adventure!”
Antony Millen, author of The Chain, Te Kauhanga & Redeeming Brother Murrihy
"A modern day Famous Five... parents and children alike will turn the pages without stopping!"
Angela Travers, Unity Books
"Another thrilling tale!"
Rachel Eade, Scorpio Books, Radio NZ critic
“Amazing! Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop!”
Jarvis Skilling, aged 10
“So exciting!”
Liam Harvey, age 9
“Unputdownable! We can't wait for the next one!"
Dylan and Luie Townsend, age 8
“Can’t wait ’til it’s a movie!”
James Charlesworth, age 11
“A great book!”
Caleb Woodfield, age 9
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
146 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
James Russell
10 books52 followersI am the author of the best-selling Dragon Brothers Trilogy of children's books (The Dragon Hunters, The Dragon Tamers and The Dragon Riders) and the best-selling, middle-grade novel series The Dragon Defenders (The Dragon Defenders, The Dragon Defenders – Book Two: The Pitbull Returns, The Dragon Defenders - Book Three: An Unfamiliar Place, The Dragon Defenders - Book Four: All Is Lost and The Dragon Defenders - Book Five: The Grand Opening.
I launch my first book for adults, entitled 'Mine - A Surfing Odyssey on North Sentinel Island' on June 1, 2021.
I live in Auckland with my wife and two young sons.
I launch my first book for adults, entitled 'Mine - A Surfing Odyssey on North Sentinel Island' on June 1, 2021.
I live in Auckland with my wife and two young sons.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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November 3, 2017'The Pitbull Returns' is the sequel to the best-selling book, 'The Dragon Defenders', by James Russell. As in the first book, 'The Pitbull Returns' tells the adventures of brothers, Flynn and Paddy, on "The Island", their home which they share with their parents, sister, horse, dog, and about 100 dragons.
The story in this sequel picks up where the first left off. Straight away, we meet The Pitbull, the short-tempered and ambitious rich man who is still determined to steal dragons from the island for his private collection. Only now, he also wants revenge on the boys. The Pitbull is even more intimidating than we remember, as witnessed in his callous treatment of his niece, Briar, and his constant bullying of the men who work for him.
I wondered where Russell might take this adventure after the terrific romp in The Dragon Defenders. He doesn't disappoint. He increases the intrigue and jeopardy, as The Pitbull threatens the lives of the boys, their family, and the dragons. They must overcome men with guns, some helicopters, an armed shipped, and The Pitbull himself. There are several moments where I felt genuine distress, wondering how the boys could possibly survive and save the day.
They do save the day, of course, and in charactersitic style. The Dragon Brothers are bold and ingenious in the tradition of The Hardy Boys, only with a higher level of skill with shooting arrows and riding dragons! The book is filled with action, wonderfully written, and contains positive messages about teamwork, courage, and sticking up for others. And it also incorporates more clever features using the AR smartphone app. I used to teach Primary School and would certainy have enjoyed sharing this series with pupils in Years 3-6. It's a rollicking adventure.
The story in this sequel picks up where the first left off. Straight away, we meet The Pitbull, the short-tempered and ambitious rich man who is still determined to steal dragons from the island for his private collection. Only now, he also wants revenge on the boys. The Pitbull is even more intimidating than we remember, as witnessed in his callous treatment of his niece, Briar, and his constant bullying of the men who work for him.
I wondered where Russell might take this adventure after the terrific romp in The Dragon Defenders. He doesn't disappoint. He increases the intrigue and jeopardy, as The Pitbull threatens the lives of the boys, their family, and the dragons. They must overcome men with guns, some helicopters, an armed shipped, and The Pitbull himself. There are several moments where I felt genuine distress, wondering how the boys could possibly survive and save the day.
They do save the day, of course, and in charactersitic style. The Dragon Brothers are bold and ingenious in the tradition of The Hardy Boys, only with a higher level of skill with shooting arrows and riding dragons! The book is filled with action, wonderfully written, and contains positive messages about teamwork, courage, and sticking up for others. And it also incorporates more clever features using the AR smartphone app. I used to teach Primary School and would certainy have enjoyed sharing this series with pupils in Years 3-6. It's a rollicking adventure.
May 19, 2020
Awesome book!!
August 17, 2020
Well written, funny and adventurous! Make sure you read this series.
December 26, 2018
Age - 7+
The Pitbull (menacing leader of the gang that raided Paddy and Flynn's island in book 1), is waiting for his stolen egg to hatch a dragon. When he discovers the truth, he is enraged and out for revenge!
Returning to the island with many men, weapons, and helicopters, he is keen to achieve what he wanted before, but this time, take the dragons themselves. But first he has a score to settle with the two boys that made him look a fool. Revenge has made him even nastier and Paddy and Flynn are in terrible danger. Now, not only are the island's dragons under threat, so is their entire family!
A fantastic follow-on to this popular series, once again including a link to the App that brings this book to life digitally. Whether using the App or not, The Pitbull Returns has even more action and thrills than the first book and will be sure to please dragon lovers, and adventure seekers. Great Kiwi Fiction!
The Pitbull (menacing leader of the gang that raided Paddy and Flynn's island in book 1), is waiting for his stolen egg to hatch a dragon. When he discovers the truth, he is enraged and out for revenge!
Returning to the island with many men, weapons, and helicopters, he is keen to achieve what he wanted before, but this time, take the dragons themselves. But first he has a score to settle with the two boys that made him look a fool. Revenge has made him even nastier and Paddy and Flynn are in terrible danger. Now, not only are the island's dragons under threat, so is their entire family!
A fantastic follow-on to this popular series, once again including a link to the App that brings this book to life digitally. Whether using the App or not, The Pitbull Returns has even more action and thrills than the first book and will be sure to please dragon lovers, and adventure seekers. Great Kiwi Fiction!
June 27, 2023
Read this to my girls for a bedtime story. Patty and Flynn are always risking themselves to do what's right. I love that their family lives alone on this random island and that their parents met for one day. One single day then their dad agreed to leave normal life and escape and go live on this island with their mom. Anyway. The pitbull is back and trying to capture dragons again but this time he came prepared.
February 7, 2023
A really great second book of the series, I love all the adventures of the boys and dragons but sometimes feel like the violent side of the pit bulls character is a bit too extreme, growing up with someone with anger and violence problems I sometimes think it’s maybe a bit too much for younger readers, especially if they’re growing up in similar environments.
June 27, 2018
Not as good as the first book. The first book drew me in a lot more. I think that introducing Elton in this book was a good idea.
March 8, 2020
Possibly the most interactive book series I've ever read! You download the AR reader app to decode some of the pictures and notes which is quite fun.
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December 30, 2021Absolutely amazing...fast paced little reader that is a delight
January 15, 2022
Best story and book.
March 18, 2022
Once again another good read.
November 19, 2022
Great sequel! I like the descriptions of the dragons and I love the AR bits too. (Taitoa, aged 9)
July 3, 2024
These books are a great read, my son loves them! We'll definitely be getting the rest of the series.
January 20, 2022
I love the fact that the author is British or whatever, so it's "realise" and "colour" instead of "realize" and "color".
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews