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And They Found Dragons #1
The Boy Who Fell from the Stars
It is said a child will lead them. But lead them where?
Jack is just 12, born on an Ark orbiting Earth among 169 survivors of a global apocalypse who eagerly await the planet's restoration so they can return to the surface. With supplies dangerously low, the time for waiting is over. Humanity must return now or die among the stars.
Unfortunately there is a problem. A big one. Dragons have inexplicably risen from Earth's ashes. Worse, they emit a global toxin deadly to all over the age of puberty. After much debate, the Ark's leaders realize that humanity's only hope is to send teams of specially trained children to hunt and eliminate the dragon queen.
But Jack is frail and deemed unworthy for the dangerous mission.
So begins a tale leads readers, young and old alike, on a journey with Jack, the child who will lead them all in the most unlikely of ways. A journey to an Earth they could not have imagined. An Earth where humanity's fear takes physical form as dragons that can only be defeated through a love that casts out all fear.
Jack is just 12, born on an Ark orbiting Earth among 169 survivors of a global apocalypse who eagerly await the planet's restoration so they can return to the surface. With supplies dangerously low, the time for waiting is over. Humanity must return now or die among the stars.
Unfortunately there is a problem. A big one. Dragons have inexplicably risen from Earth's ashes. Worse, they emit a global toxin deadly to all over the age of puberty. After much debate, the Ark's leaders realize that humanity's only hope is to send teams of specially trained children to hunt and eliminate the dragon queen.
But Jack is frail and deemed unworthy for the dangerous mission.
So begins a tale leads readers, young and old alike, on a journey with Jack, the child who will lead them all in the most unlikely of ways. A journey to an Earth they could not have imagined. An Earth where humanity's fear takes physical form as dragons that can only be defeated through a love that casts out all fear.
172 pages, Paperback
Published November 9, 2021
55 people are currently reading
1976 people want to read
About the author
Ted Dekker
192 books9,959 followersTed Dekker is known for novels that combine adrenaline-laced stories with unexpected plot twists, unforgettable characters, and incredible confrontations between good and evil. Ted lives in Austin with his wife LeeAnn and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 16, 2021
In the wake of a nuclear war that destroyed the earth, a remnant escaped to the stars. When time came to return home, they discovered something most unusual. In humanity’s absence, dragons have taken over the Earth and their toxic breath kills all humans—except children. Children aren’t as susceptible to the toxins and so a plan is made. Children must save humanity. That’s where The Boy Who Fell from the Stars begins. Jack Solomon, whose blood disease has made him immune to the toxin, is one of the eight who will be sent to earth.
The first part of the book sets up the storyline, providing a lot of explanation and exposition. It helps settle you into the story, though it means a lot of telling rather than showing. Jack is portrayed as an outcast. He’s physically weaker than his companions, only selected to be one of the eight because of an injury to another student, and not considered up to the task. It’s a typical weak-defeats-strong, brains-over-brawn trope but it fits thematically with the Dekkers’ message. Early on, you get the idea that the adults’ plan—have the children kill the dragons with spears—is not going to be a good plan.
The bulk of the book sets up the plans to leave and the subtle—then not-so-subtle ways—their mission is being sabotaged. Something is working against them. Someone doesn’t want them to go back. But who? By the end of the book, the group departs for earth and immediately things begin to go wrong. They crash land on a hostile planet, hostile toward each other, already feeling the effects of the dragon’s toxin, setting up the next book in the series.
The Boy Who Fell from the Stars carries a heavy load. It’s responsible for the world building elements and a lot of work goes into establishing the storyline. Because this is a children’s book—around 30,000 words—the Dekkers have to pack a lot into a pretty small amount to space. This makes some elements, like the central conflict of the book, seem a bit underdeveloped. I suppose it’s fitting for the intended age group, but I wanted more! One thing the book does well is give readers a good sense of who Jack is and allow a sense of camaraderie and identification to develop. Readers will be able to see themselves as Jack, navigating this unexpected journey to Earth.
With the stage set and our hero on Earth, Ted and Rachelle move the story on to Journey to the Silver Towers.
The first part of the book sets up the storyline, providing a lot of explanation and exposition. It helps settle you into the story, though it means a lot of telling rather than showing. Jack is portrayed as an outcast. He’s physically weaker than his companions, only selected to be one of the eight because of an injury to another student, and not considered up to the task. It’s a typical weak-defeats-strong, brains-over-brawn trope but it fits thematically with the Dekkers’ message. Early on, you get the idea that the adults’ plan—have the children kill the dragons with spears—is not going to be a good plan.
The bulk of the book sets up the plans to leave and the subtle—then not-so-subtle ways—their mission is being sabotaged. Something is working against them. Someone doesn’t want them to go back. But who? By the end of the book, the group departs for earth and immediately things begin to go wrong. They crash land on a hostile planet, hostile toward each other, already feeling the effects of the dragon’s toxin, setting up the next book in the series.
The Boy Who Fell from the Stars carries a heavy load. It’s responsible for the world building elements and a lot of work goes into establishing the storyline. Because this is a children’s book—around 30,000 words—the Dekkers have to pack a lot into a pretty small amount to space. This makes some elements, like the central conflict of the book, seem a bit underdeveloped. I suppose it’s fitting for the intended age group, but I wanted more! One thing the book does well is give readers a good sense of who Jack is and allow a sense of camaraderie and identification to develop. Readers will be able to see themselves as Jack, navigating this unexpected journey to Earth.
With the stage set and our hero on Earth, Ted and Rachelle move the story on to Journey to the Silver Towers.
December 30, 2024
4 Stars.
🐉 The vibes:
- Feels like the 100 but for kids
- Christian
- Middle grade
- Dragons mentioned in plot but not yet in book.
🐉 My thoughts:
This was a quick read. Not much happened in this one but since it’s book one, I think the point was mostly to set the stage for what’s coming in the series. I was interested enough to keep reading, and I’m curious where the plot heads next. There were no dragons really- they’re in the universe, just not on page yet. Let’s be real- we’re all here for the dragons, so just know they aren’t here HERE yet.
🐉 Overall- this was very much infused with Christian concepts. Many phrases used come from the Bible but the book doesn’t say it’s from the Bible. I think it says these concepts come from a forbidden text. There’s a Yeshua - which is clearly God. Words may not be directly stated as Christian words/concepts, but the themes are there, the quotes/verses in conversations are there (ie, light drives out darkness; love casts out fear; Yeshua giving strength and peace that passes understanding; etc…) and it’s just woven in the script, if that makes sense.
🐉 I’ll be jumping into book two, so take this review for what it is. I haven’t finished the series and will update on if I think it’s worth picking up as I read through each book. But so far, I think this was a good (but slow and yes a bit cheesy) start. It’s middle grade- so I’m more chill about it.
Note- middle grade; Christian themes.
🐉 The vibes:
- Feels like the 100 but for kids
- Christian
- Middle grade
- Dragons mentioned in plot but not yet in book.
🐉 My thoughts:
This was a quick read. Not much happened in this one but since it’s book one, I think the point was mostly to set the stage for what’s coming in the series. I was interested enough to keep reading, and I’m curious where the plot heads next. There were no dragons really- they’re in the universe, just not on page yet. Let’s be real- we’re all here for the dragons, so just know they aren’t here HERE yet.
🐉 Overall- this was very much infused with Christian concepts. Many phrases used come from the Bible but the book doesn’t say it’s from the Bible. I think it says these concepts come from a forbidden text. There’s a Yeshua - which is clearly God. Words may not be directly stated as Christian words/concepts, but the themes are there, the quotes/verses in conversations are there (ie, light drives out darkness; love casts out fear; Yeshua giving strength and peace that passes understanding; etc…) and it’s just woven in the script, if that makes sense.
🐉 I’ll be jumping into book two, so take this review for what it is. I haven’t finished the series and will update on if I think it’s worth picking up as I read through each book. But so far, I think this was a good (but slow and yes a bit cheesy) start. It’s middle grade- so I’m more chill about it.
Note- middle grade; Christian themes.
November 27, 2021
My 5th and 6th grade sons couldn't get enough of this book!
It's so difficult to find books of character and quality that speak truth and perseverance into young people.
They loved the characters and they immediately saw the parallel between the Truth in scripture pulled into the story at it played out
WELL DONE!! we look forward to more!
It's so difficult to find books of character and quality that speak truth and perseverance into young people.
They loved the characters and they immediately saw the parallel between the Truth in scripture pulled into the story at it played out
WELL DONE!! we look forward to more!
January 3, 2024
Second-best book I've ever read.
January 1, 2022
Phenomenal Christian Series for Tweens, Teens, and Adults!
When the news of the newest series, THEY FOUND DRAGONS, by Ted and Rachelle Dekker was first announced, my eleven-year-old granddaughter nearly shouted, “Space and Dragons! I’m gonna’ love reading these!” And love them we have! Each reading brings on discussion and searches through the Bible for verification as well as a deeper understanding of what “being a Christian” really means today. AND THEY FOUND DRAGONS abounds with fast-paced action, unexpected twists and turns, and characters that feel “more like friends” by the time the story ends. It is such a good series that my Granddaughter asked to read it again. AND THEY FOUND DRAGONS is so wonderful, we must award 5/5 STARS and a STRONG, voluntary, recommendation that you purchase a copy of this amazing series, today!
When the news of the newest series, THEY FOUND DRAGONS, by Ted and Rachelle Dekker was first announced, my eleven-year-old granddaughter nearly shouted, “Space and Dragons! I’m gonna’ love reading these!” And love them we have! Each reading brings on discussion and searches through the Bible for verification as well as a deeper understanding of what “being a Christian” really means today. AND THEY FOUND DRAGONS abounds with fast-paced action, unexpected twists and turns, and characters that feel “more like friends” by the time the story ends. It is such a good series that my Granddaughter asked to read it again. AND THEY FOUND DRAGONS is so wonderful, we must award 5/5 STARS and a STRONG, voluntary, recommendation that you purchase a copy of this amazing series, today!
February 14, 2023
Plot: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
General Enjoyment: 4/5
Average: 3.7 stars, rounded up
This was such a fun beginning to a trilogy! It’s definitely intended for young kids, but I had a fun time reading it nonetheless. It was a very quick read, and I’m sure I’ll race through the other two books as well.
The first book of the And They Found Dragons series, The Boy Who Fell From The Stars, takes place in a future where only 169 survivors of an apocalypse have been sent into a spaceship to repopulate the Earth when it is once again safe. However, dragons have retaken the Earth, and there is a deadly toxin fatal to anyone above the age of puberty. So they have to send a squad of children down to take out the dragon queen.
Jack, our main character, is weak and anemic, unable to join the team, but when a surprise tragedy removes one of the team’s members, Jack’s complete immunity to the toxin requires him to join the mission.
The plot was actually a lot more fast-paced than I expected, which I always love. There were practically no filler scenes, and every character had agency in the plot. It ended on a cliffhanger, making me really excited to read the next book.
I think the characters were a bit underdeveloped, especially Jack, but I’m hoping there will be more development for him in the second and third books. He was really sweet and loyal, but I’m hoping he gains more depth of character. Doctor A was a very fascinating character, and I loved both Sammie (Jack’s best friend) and his mother.
As for the writing, there was certainly a lot of info-dumping and some stilted dialogue, but also some beautiful nuggets of theology and hope sprinkled throughout. I love the Christian messages interwoven throughout, and can’t wait to see how that affects the plot.
Overall, this was really fun and I have high hopes for the next two books!
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
General Enjoyment: 4/5
Average: 3.7 stars, rounded up
This was such a fun beginning to a trilogy! It’s definitely intended for young kids, but I had a fun time reading it nonetheless. It was a very quick read, and I’m sure I’ll race through the other two books as well.
The first book of the And They Found Dragons series, The Boy Who Fell From The Stars, takes place in a future where only 169 survivors of an apocalypse have been sent into a spaceship to repopulate the Earth when it is once again safe. However, dragons have retaken the Earth, and there is a deadly toxin fatal to anyone above the age of puberty. So they have to send a squad of children down to take out the dragon queen.
Jack, our main character, is weak and anemic, unable to join the team, but when a surprise tragedy removes one of the team’s members, Jack’s complete immunity to the toxin requires him to join the mission.
The plot was actually a lot more fast-paced than I expected, which I always love. There were practically no filler scenes, and every character had agency in the plot. It ended on a cliffhanger, making me really excited to read the next book.
I think the characters were a bit underdeveloped, especially Jack, but I’m hoping there will be more development for him in the second and third books. He was really sweet and loyal, but I’m hoping he gains more depth of character. Doctor A was a very fascinating character, and I loved both Sammie (Jack’s best friend) and his mother.
As for the writing, there was certainly a lot of info-dumping and some stilted dialogue, but also some beautiful nuggets of theology and hope sprinkled throughout. I love the Christian messages interwoven throughout, and can’t wait to see how that affects the plot.
Overall, this was really fun and I have high hopes for the next two books!
October 12, 2022
Hmm...mixed feelings about this one. Need to think about it a bit more to collect my thoughts.
June 15, 2024
Full marks for gripping story writing! ...A little darker than I'd like for the suggested age range. (One character's "possession" / addiction described in a lil more detail than I was comfortable with...)
Also, much in the allegory is made of children being innocent and that innocence protecting them from sin, whiiiiiich again was taken a little farther than I was theologically comfortable with.
But minus those concerns, it's an interesting story for middle grade fiction and of course, very Dekker in its feel and themes.
Might recommend with discernment and/or parental guidance for kids ages 10+ (personally might wait till 12 for my kids.)
Also, much in the allegory is made of children being innocent and that innocence protecting them from sin, whiiiiiich again was taken a little farther than I was theologically comfortable with.
But minus those concerns, it's an interesting story for middle grade fiction and of course, very Dekker in its feel and themes.
Might recommend with discernment and/or parental guidance for kids ages 10+ (personally might wait till 12 for my kids.)
May 19, 2025
2 1/2 stars
First off I do actually disagree with most of the 2 star reviews on here regarding theology or violent content; I thought all of that was handled perfectly.
And the book has a REALLY intriguing premise, so I was really excited to jump in, but found the story to be all set up and no payoff (which I know it is a series, but still....), and some of the dialogue and writing felt a little off or unnatural.
But I'm not the target audience so if Christian kids love this,then great! I just wish the story had something more to say and also in a better executed manner.
First off I do actually disagree with most of the 2 star reviews on here regarding theology or violent content; I thought all of that was handled perfectly.
And the book has a REALLY intriguing premise, so I was really excited to jump in, but found the story to be all set up and no payoff (which I know it is a series, but still....), and some of the dialogue and writing felt a little off or unnatural.
But I'm not the target audience so if Christian kids love this,then great! I just wish the story had something more to say and also in a better executed manner.
November 16, 2025
Read this to screen it for my kids and was not into it. One of the adult characters is addicted to a substance, and I thought it was really creepy how the book included the details of his addition—describing the withdrawals, the high, etc. It’s obviously intended for older kids, but even for them I would question whether it’s helpful to be so explicit.
February 21, 2024
I read this book out loud to Teddy, one chapter every night. One evening the chapter was so intriguing that we had to read for another 10 minutes. We enjoyed it! Onto the next.
*I also appreciate that the story doesn’t end or resolve one bit at the end of this book, so I get another goodreads book under my belt for the same story 😅
*I also appreciate that the story doesn’t end or resolve one bit at the end of this book, so I get another goodreads book under my belt for the same story 😅
April 13, 2025
‼️ CHRISTIAN PARENTS ‼️
My red flags went up right away. The storyline is great. We loved the thrill of the story. But Tedd Dekker is OFF on his theology! I'm very sad that I have to leave this review. I had high hopes for these books. 🥺
This is from the Amazon reviewer DRP Quote :
"There is a false dichotomy between perfect love casting out fear and the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom. This book makes it VERY clear that fear being the beginning of wisdom is a lie. Yet the Bible says that fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom at least 3 times (Ps. 111:10, Prov. 1:7, Prov. 9:10). Even Jesus tell us to to fear God who can destroy both the body and soul in hell (Matt 10:28).
My initial thought is that Dekker possibly believes Jesus is not at all the same God as the God of the Old Testament. However, considering Jesus also tells us to fear God, and Dekker seems to ignore that fact, perhaps Dekker is picking and choosing what he thinks is true in the Bible, and skipping the parts he doesn't like. (That don't feel "loving"?)
The very passage that he uses to show us how wrong fear is - mentions judgement. (1 John 4:17-18). Dekker also likens judgement to fear in this book. He actually says we can only judge what we fear...which is a lie, because the bible talks a lot about God's judgement and I'm POSITIVE that God fears no one. (I can't find the page with the quote about judgement, but if I can later, I will update. ) The bible also mentions that we are to have sound judgement as believers. Right judgement is not bad.
Dekker proclaims Christ, and this book is very clearly supposed to be good (no fear in love) vs. evil (fear is the beginning of wisdom). The "good" side worships Yeshua...which is Jesus Jewish name...so, that Dekker means to make this book an allegory is clear.
In the book the bad guys are obviously bad. The "good" guys are also bad, however, because they are professing a false "love only" gospel (as if God has only ONE characteristic), and contrasting OT Yahweh with NT Yahweh...which shows a huge lack of understanding of the Word of God.
To be clear, it is not made obvious in the book that the good guys are also promoting false truths...they just seem really oddly loving. And very much pacifist (kinda like wise monks or Yoda, to be honest).
Your child will likely come away confused and believing it's wrong to fear God. They'll believe that fearing God is Satan's lie, because the King Red Dragon actually is called the Father of Lies...and he's the one that's promoting the "lie" that fear is the beginning of wisdom.
I actually would prefer to read a straight up pagan-world-view book, because the truth and the lies are much more easy to see. This book is a hot mess...a little bit of truth mixed with lies on EACH side.
This is a VERY limited preview of all the errors in this book. The worldview is REALLY hammered in, too, so don't think it'll go over your child's head. Lines about fear and love permeate most pages, it's very redundant. Another warning is that it appears to teach that the light is already in us, in everyone, we just need to see that light in us. In the first book this didn't sound so wacky, because Jesus did say we are the light of the world. But by the 2nd and 3rd books, and all the other "off" things said, it is definitely sounding like Dekker is teaching that all humans contain a light inside of them and if they only just stop fearing and start loving, they'll be saved.
ETA: Now at the end - "Yeshua" himself preaches a very false gospel which appears to teach universalism and the great "sin" of not thinking you're enough. But don't worry. "Yeshua" DOES think you're enough. He doesn't even notice your "sin"...even if you never repent, he loves you just as you are anyway. Also, there appears to not really be any evil in the world, it's just fear and judgement blinding us. Honestly makes me sick to my stomach. I'll not be purchasing ANY books from the Dekker's again, and these are going straight in the trash. Usually I sell or donate books, but I'd rather not spread this terrible and EVIL message."
My red flags went up right away. The storyline is great. We loved the thrill of the story. But Tedd Dekker is OFF on his theology! I'm very sad that I have to leave this review. I had high hopes for these books. 🥺
This is from the Amazon reviewer DRP Quote :
"There is a false dichotomy between perfect love casting out fear and the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom. This book makes it VERY clear that fear being the beginning of wisdom is a lie. Yet the Bible says that fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom at least 3 times (Ps. 111:10, Prov. 1:7, Prov. 9:10). Even Jesus tell us to to fear God who can destroy both the body and soul in hell (Matt 10:28).
My initial thought is that Dekker possibly believes Jesus is not at all the same God as the God of the Old Testament. However, considering Jesus also tells us to fear God, and Dekker seems to ignore that fact, perhaps Dekker is picking and choosing what he thinks is true in the Bible, and skipping the parts he doesn't like. (That don't feel "loving"?)
The very passage that he uses to show us how wrong fear is - mentions judgement. (1 John 4:17-18). Dekker also likens judgement to fear in this book. He actually says we can only judge what we fear...which is a lie, because the bible talks a lot about God's judgement and I'm POSITIVE that God fears no one. (I can't find the page with the quote about judgement, but if I can later, I will update. ) The bible also mentions that we are to have sound judgement as believers. Right judgement is not bad.
Dekker proclaims Christ, and this book is very clearly supposed to be good (no fear in love) vs. evil (fear is the beginning of wisdom). The "good" side worships Yeshua...which is Jesus Jewish name...so, that Dekker means to make this book an allegory is clear.
In the book the bad guys are obviously bad. The "good" guys are also bad, however, because they are professing a false "love only" gospel (as if God has only ONE characteristic), and contrasting OT Yahweh with NT Yahweh...which shows a huge lack of understanding of the Word of God.
To be clear, it is not made obvious in the book that the good guys are also promoting false truths...they just seem really oddly loving. And very much pacifist (kinda like wise monks or Yoda, to be honest).
Your child will likely come away confused and believing it's wrong to fear God. They'll believe that fearing God is Satan's lie, because the King Red Dragon actually is called the Father of Lies...and he's the one that's promoting the "lie" that fear is the beginning of wisdom.
I actually would prefer to read a straight up pagan-world-view book, because the truth and the lies are much more easy to see. This book is a hot mess...a little bit of truth mixed with lies on EACH side.
This is a VERY limited preview of all the errors in this book. The worldview is REALLY hammered in, too, so don't think it'll go over your child's head. Lines about fear and love permeate most pages, it's very redundant. Another warning is that it appears to teach that the light is already in us, in everyone, we just need to see that light in us. In the first book this didn't sound so wacky, because Jesus did say we are the light of the world. But by the 2nd and 3rd books, and all the other "off" things said, it is definitely sounding like Dekker is teaching that all humans contain a light inside of them and if they only just stop fearing and start loving, they'll be saved.
ETA: Now at the end - "Yeshua" himself preaches a very false gospel which appears to teach universalism and the great "sin" of not thinking you're enough. But don't worry. "Yeshua" DOES think you're enough. He doesn't even notice your "sin"...even if you never repent, he loves you just as you are anyway. Also, there appears to not really be any evil in the world, it's just fear and judgement blinding us. Honestly makes me sick to my stomach. I'll not be purchasing ANY books from the Dekker's again, and these are going straight in the trash. Usually I sell or donate books, but I'd rather not spread this terrible and EVIL message."
January 4, 2025
First read aloud of 2025. Lots of suspense. A bit further into the sci fi fantasy genre than we have ventured before, but the plot was exciting and the subtle Christian references were clear enough for my listeners to understand. Book one definitely ends on a cliffhanger, so book two will likely be our second read aloud.
July 31, 2025
Great read - get ready to commit to the 3-book series though as you won't stop with just this one.
June 14, 2023
Not sure what I think. Maybe I’ll try the next book and see if I want to finish the series. Hmm
August 7, 2024
Pros: these are what pushed my review to a 4 star. My 7 year old son will listen every time I read this to him. He asks for me to keep reading. It makes an excellent book for my younger child and 9 year old to stay interested in. Chapters are reasonable in length, as is the overall book. Ended with a cliffhanger. We're ready for book 2!
Cons: wanted to mark this a 3 star. The writing style is not always natural to read. Phrases chosen don't always work well when read out loud. Finally, the amount of technical words used to describe the layout of the halls and inside of the space station require a reference to space stations in general. This seemed an unnecessarily complicated choice on the authors part for children even for my 7 and 9 year olds.
Cons: wanted to mark this a 3 star. The writing style is not always natural to read. Phrases chosen don't always work well when read out loud. Finally, the amount of technical words used to describe the layout of the halls and inside of the space station require a reference to space stations in general. This seemed an unnecessarily complicated choice on the authors part for children even for my 7 and 9 year olds.
February 24, 2024
Heres my review: I read this with my 11 year old. It is a childrens' sci-fi fantasy set on a space station. However, a group of 11-14 year olds are preparing to return to earth, which is now inhabited by dragons. It has a lot of technical, sci fi, space related language that may have gone over Lucy's head, but the story is clear and easy to follow. The main character is an 11 year old with special abilities. It was a bit hard to get into, but as conflict builds, it ends on a great cliffhanger! Thankfully, we have the next book already to get started. Def recommend for kids who love space or mythical creatures (although there is only a tiny element of the dragons in this first book). There is a small faith component that I think will grow with the series. Content warnings for kids: loss of parent, bullying, grief, medical content, substance use/abuse, violence.
July 13, 2023
Reminds me of a YA version of The 100 but with dragons.
It had the potential to be a sweet story with an interesting plot, but I couldn’t get past the poor writing style and over abundance of clique’s.
It had the potential to be a sweet story with an interesting plot, but I couldn’t get past the poor writing style and over abundance of clique’s.
November 9, 2022
My son, who is nine, is reading this series so I figured I’d check it out! It’s a great story line and I’m excited to see what happens next! I can definitely recommend this for kids and adults :)
August 5, 2025
Another stellar book from the Dekker family. I love reading these books with my kids. I love watching their mine grow not only with the joy of adventure but also their understanding of Christ.
October 24, 2022
The kids like it. I think this series is better than Millie Maven.
May 15, 2023
Great into to the series and the world, can’t wait for what’s next!
May 25, 2023
Read aloud to my kids. My middle school boy especially enjoyed. Fun futuristic adventure featuring dragons and spiritual themes. Excited for the rest of this series.
July 21, 2024
Read this as a family read-aloud and we were all sucked in. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next book to see where the story goes!
September 7, 2024
Such a FUN, inspiring and adventurous read!
January 1, 2023
This is a terrible series for young readers. I screened it for my 9-year-old, and ruled it inappropriate. The main themes here are global genocide, conspiracy, homicide, and demonic possession. The plot revolves around 120 adults surviving in a space station training 20 children to return to earth and slay dragons, now the cause of secondary global poisoning. Since the cause of the nuclear holocaust is pinned on religious wars, religion is now banned for all humans. Yet the adults on the station all "pray" for mission success, and wish the child warriors "godspeed."
January 26, 2022
The start of the new Dekker series is full of mystery, drama and dragons! What more could readers ask for?
In the near, distant future most of humanity has nearly been wiped out by nuclear war and only a little over 100 souls are able to survive by escaping on a shuttle named Arc. While they have been away from Earth, the nuclear devastation brings forth more unexpected problems, Dragons. Any teams that have been sent aren’t able to live because of reactions to the dragons, until they find out kids are not as susceptible to the toxins from the dragons. One child, Jack, is immune to the toxins and he is not fit to go on the mission with the other kids chosen to travel to earth and slay the dragons. When one of the other kids falls ill, Jack is the only choice to help complete the mission to make it safe for all of humanity to return to Earth.
The first book in the new series by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker will set readers off on an adventure that is out of this world. With characters that young readers will be able to relate to and a story that has adventure, fantasy and much more, readers young and old will enjoy. I have been a Dekker fan for a long time and bought this for my son for Christmas. I wanted to read them before him so we could discuss the stories afterwards and am glad I did, I enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see what happens next. Jack is a great lead character, but I have to say Sammy is my favorite so far. The first book ends with just enough of a tease to keep me aching to start the next immediately. This looks to be a great new series for young readers to enjoy.
In the near, distant future most of humanity has nearly been wiped out by nuclear war and only a little over 100 souls are able to survive by escaping on a shuttle named Arc. While they have been away from Earth, the nuclear devastation brings forth more unexpected problems, Dragons. Any teams that have been sent aren’t able to live because of reactions to the dragons, until they find out kids are not as susceptible to the toxins from the dragons. One child, Jack, is immune to the toxins and he is not fit to go on the mission with the other kids chosen to travel to earth and slay the dragons. When one of the other kids falls ill, Jack is the only choice to help complete the mission to make it safe for all of humanity to return to Earth.
The first book in the new series by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker will set readers off on an adventure that is out of this world. With characters that young readers will be able to relate to and a story that has adventure, fantasy and much more, readers young and old will enjoy. I have been a Dekker fan for a long time and bought this for my son for Christmas. I wanted to read them before him so we could discuss the stories afterwards and am glad I did, I enjoyed the story and can’t wait to see what happens next. Jack is a great lead character, but I have to say Sammy is my favorite so far. The first book ends with just enough of a tease to keep me aching to start the next immediately. This looks to be a great new series for young readers to enjoy.
January 26, 2023
Strengths: The book moves along with twist and turns that make it fun.
Weaknesses: The book starts slowly. My son got this book for Christmas. He couldn't "get into it." I read it, and he picked up again today because he likes to "read what Dad's read."
Quibbles: Morally/ethically, the book is good and better than most, but as a Lutheran theologian, I really dislike it when the main character is directed repeatedly to look inside himself for strength and wisdom. I'd like him to rely on something objective, and something OUTSIDE of him himself for strength.
The antagonist listens and takes his marching orders from a "voice" that is evil.
The protagonist has no voice to listen to, no words to rely on. It seems backwards.
I always hate writing critical reviews because I've never written a book. Ted Dekker is a gifted writer, and I don't want him to stop. So...three stars. Some good, some not-so-good, and some differing theology.
Here's an endorsement though. I'm still happy letting my child read this book.
Final thing. The first book is NOT a stand alone. The first book ends where the story really "begins." It ends on a cliffhanger and nothing is "resolved" by the end of the book. That's fine, but readers should be aware.
Weaknesses: The book starts slowly. My son got this book for Christmas. He couldn't "get into it." I read it, and he picked up again today because he likes to "read what Dad's read."
Quibbles: Morally/ethically, the book is good and better than most, but as a Lutheran theologian, I really dislike it when the main character is directed repeatedly to look inside himself for strength and wisdom. I'd like him to rely on something objective, and something OUTSIDE of him himself for strength.
The antagonist listens and takes his marching orders from a "voice" that is evil.
The protagonist has no voice to listen to, no words to rely on. It seems backwards.
I always hate writing critical reviews because I've never written a book. Ted Dekker is a gifted writer, and I don't want him to stop. So...three stars. Some good, some not-so-good, and some differing theology.
Here's an endorsement though. I'm still happy letting my child read this book.
Final thing. The first book is NOT a stand alone. The first book ends where the story really "begins." It ends on a cliffhanger and nothing is "resolved" by the end of the book. That's fine, but readers should be aware.
June 22, 2022
At the beginning, I thought this might be too slow and a bit too dark for the boy. However, with the end of book one coming and a cliffhanger ending looming, he was eager to finish and start book two immediately.
Ted Dekker readers who have obtained this book are likely familiar with the way he shares his faith through his story. It’s not hidden, but it doesn’t come across a preachy. This book talks about how the religious wars made all religious books illegal. So there are references sprinkled about as forbidden wisdom.
I am a person of faith and I like reading Dekker’s ideas illustrated with story. This first book appears to be paving a path for how Yeshua’s (Jesus’) love conquers fear. This first book sets up the story, so we shall have to wait to see where it goes.
Ted Dekker readers who have obtained this book are likely familiar with the way he shares his faith through his story. It’s not hidden, but it doesn’t come across a preachy. This book talks about how the religious wars made all religious books illegal. So there are references sprinkled about as forbidden wisdom.
I am a person of faith and I like reading Dekker’s ideas illustrated with story. This first book appears to be paving a path for how Yeshua’s (Jesus’) love conquers fear. This first book sets up the story, so we shall have to wait to see where it goes.
November 23, 2022
I would have given it one star if it wasn't an interesting story that kept my attention. I'm looking forward to starting the 2nd book.
"Christian" allegory from an author with very questionable new age beliefs could be confusing to kids (the intended audience). Although the content is not nearly as bad as his Millie Maven series, book 1, it did rub me the wrong way.
Spoiler: the doctor has a very sick obsession with dragon milk. It is described in detail and I think it's too disturbing for kids. "He could feel the milk calling to him. He was powerless to resist. He needed the milk, wanted it, craved it." "After trying one drop, he had been irrevocably bonded to it, a slave to it."
"Christian" allegory from an author with very questionable new age beliefs could be confusing to kids (the intended audience). Although the content is not nearly as bad as his Millie Maven series, book 1, it did rub me the wrong way.
Spoiler: the doctor has a very sick obsession with dragon milk. It is described in detail and I think it's too disturbing for kids. "He could feel the milk calling to him. He was powerless to resist. He needed the milk, wanted it, craved it." "After trying one drop, he had been irrevocably bonded to it, a slave to it."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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