Journey to the Silver Towers

And They Found Dragons #2

by Ted Dekker, Rachelle Dekker

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian, Fiction, Dragons, Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure

168 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Ted 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.

Reviews

[Linnea Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book read with Teddy at night! We’re both really into this story and ready for book 3.

[Josh Olds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack Solomon is on Earth for the first time in his life and he’s dying. Everything is wrong. The impossible mission they’d been sent to complete seems more impossible than ever. And did I mention he’s dying? The team is broken. Half are assumed dead. The other half—Jack, Sammie, Miguel, and Marco—are being quickly affected by the dragon toxin that’s making earth unlivable. Their comms system is down. They’re fighting. There’s absolutely no way they’re going to survive. That’s when they find they aren’t the only humans on Earth.

Scalers. That’s the name for the humans who somehow survived the nuclear fallout, then made an alliance with the dragons. Dragon milk in exchange for obedience. They serve the dragons and the dragons provide the substance that counters the toxic effect of their breath. The Scalers live in loyalty and fear with the dragons. It saves them, but unto what? Jack and Sammie—maybe the only survivors—were found by a couple of Scalers and given the milk to survive. It feels…weird.

The central premise of Journey to the Silver Towers is the difference between the dragon’s milk—which save from the toxin but binds the person mentally to the dragons—and Jack’s blood, which provides immunity without binding. How can they kill what they are bound to? Sammie is taken in almost immediately. She needs the milk to live. Loyalty to the dragons is the only salvation. You can see where the imagery is going. The two are sent to the Scaler village, where Jack is confronted by a people physically blinded by their devotion to the dragons. It’s a path marked by fear. Can he escape the Scaler village, save Sammie, and destroy the dragons? It’s all too much—but help comes in an unexpected fashion.

The second book in the And They Found Dragons series moves the conflict from space to earth, expanding the world to show two different races of dragons, two different types of salvation, two very different paths. One path lies in submission to fear. The other is a life lived without fear or judgment in the light of love. Like the previous book, there are elements that seem a bit rushed for my taste. The Dekkers have developed a compelling world, so much of which has to go unexplained due to the constraints of space. Writing to a young audience should be that way so that’s not a criticism, but…yeah, I still want more. I have so many questions about the Silvers, their mission, and how the plan to save humanity that they put Jack on is supposed to work. Maybe some of that will be answered in the series finale, Rise of the Light Bringer.

[Kaden Nimmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Josh Simons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had some interesting conflicts. I'm a little wary of what the authors are doing theologically but we'll see where it goes. The kids all liked this story.

[Abigail Mohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4.5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Writing: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
General Enjoyment: 4.5/5
Average: 4.4 stars, rounded down

Wow. This is such a fast-paced, fun trilogy! I wish it had been around when I was a young kid because I would have loved it! I’m loving the character development for both Jack and Sammie in the second book, as well as the introduction of many new characters. The symbolism with the red dragon and the silver dragons, as well as with the doves, is beautifully written. There’s parts of the symbolism that make me glad I’m reading this above the target age, because I probably wouldn’t have caught a lot of it when I was younger.
Can’t wait to see how this wraps up!

[Clayton Hashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty heavy-handed in its Christian themes, but that’s ok. This book was another super quick read that I enjoyed throughout! Again, not great prose, but it’s still fun to read a classic hero’s story. I guess I shouldn’t expect too much nuance when it comes to the evil Scalers versus the holy Jack, but I wish there was a bit more. I also resonate with the constantly expressed theme of fear not being a part of true love, but unfortunately my experience with Christianity in the past has been based in a lot of fear and scare tactics to ensure that people stay committed to the faith and rarely ask questions. Fortunately I am at a place in my faith where fear no longer plays a significant role, so I am hopeful that this book encourages church-goers to not only look externally to identify fear-based ideologies, but causes them to look introspectively and identify the ways in which they might be contributing personally to these problems.

[Kaelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this second book in the series! It had a wonderful and exciting twist to it, and this story truly is for all ages.
The kingdom principles in are so beautiful and awwww, it touched me so deeply!!
Highly recommend reading this trilogy!

[Cheyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little weird but still a fun and interesting book!

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one but still good. I thought I could’ve used a little more suspense like the first one had. But I’m still interested to see how the trilogy ends.

[Toni Stephens Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of my favorite series for a fast fun and inspiring read!

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought these books for one of my boys. Interesting premise and first book was good, although much too short to get into the story meaningfully. Overall, for children’s Christian fiction, the first was very entertaining (For it’s genre, I’d give it four stars). The second one lacks any allegorical subtlety and rather beats you over the head with the same theme over and over.

All that said, both my 12 year old (who doesn’t even enjoy reading) and my nine year old have read all the first three since Christmas and are asking me for the next three. So…in the end, their opinion matters more!

[Stevie Kinzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The spirit of Yeshua is love. A love that cannot know fear. A love that holds no record of wrong. Light that casts out all darkness…Fresh tears slipped past the corners of his closed eyes. Not from sadness, but from the overwhelming awe of seeing the truth. Light in brilliant colors danced along every surface and stone. Jack had been searching for Yeshua and he’d been present this whole time.”

Book 2 of this special series was even more captivating than book 1. On to book 3 👏🏻

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the And They Found Dragons series picks up where the first left off and continues the adventure readers will enjoy.

After landing on Earth as some of the sole survivors after a nuclear war, Jack now searches for a way to take down the dragons after most of his team died upon arriving. The more Jack explores, the more he discovers things are not as they seem with the dragons and the other humans he finds after arriving on Earth. Those on Earth have been bowing down to the Red dragons and following all they command, especially the take down of the Silver dragons. Jack quickly learns that the Silver dragons are not bad but are the key to helping make Earth safe for everyone to live once again. Now he must convince the others who are blind to the love the Silvers give before it is too late.

This is the second book in the And They Found Dragons series and readers will enjoy the continuation of the adventure. This book looked more like classic ‘Dekker” writing for me. The first started out a little different but this one looked more like the writings of Ted Dekker that I have read for many, many years. Even though this is written by both he and his daughter, I really only see his writing style here. Jack is a great main character and readers will enjoy going on the adventure with him. This is probably my favorite book in the series. The content is just right for young readers, but older readers will get a lot out of this as well with the imagery throughout. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and one I look forward to my son reading and being able to discuss with him.

[Hope Elias · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story truly does continue with the same action, love lessons, enjoyable characters, and adventure that the first book brought!
I adored all the new characters in this one and I liked the continued world building.
Really if you liked the first book, idk why you wouldnt like this one just as much!

🚨 Spoilers ahead 🚨

Fave Chapter:
Chapter 11
This is the only chapter that Tichondrius is in but I love it because it’s where we see silver dragons for the first time, the fight is cool, the loss of Sammie hit hard, and well i guess the loss of Tichondrius himself was also rough. This chapter was most epic and impactful for me.

Fave Character:
Camila
I still love Michelle but she wasn’t around much this time around. And I love Camila’s potential. She’s doesn’t seem to be the typical Scaler. I am rather optimistic for her development.

Ship:
Dr. Alexander x Michelle
Okay so in the review i made for the first book i went on to explain why I shipped them and wanted Dr. A to have a redemption arc and end up with Michelle… but then Ch 9 of this book comes around and the bro is DEAD! i understand Sammie accidentally injected him with poison but i thought for certain he would make an antidote, drink the rest of the dragon milk, spontaneously heal cuz the dragon link he has preserves him, SOMETHING! But NO! This bro dies with the explanation of a couple sentences and is never mentioned again. This was honestly the biggest disappointment for me from this book 😂 i just had such high hopes for their relationship or at least Alexander’s redemption. But no. He’s dead. The end.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun. Much more fast paced and exciting than the first one. Jack is on the ground and the story is constantly progressing. His relationship with Sammy is devastating, and I am a little curious as to why the kids reacted to the "dragon's breath" like they did when all we'd been told so far was how kids are immune. Felt like the author did a little switch-a-roo, which wasn't a big deal . . . except that it made the entire conflict with Miguel and Marco completely moot. In fact, those two are dead within the first chapter.

The theological analogy is fairly spot on, although it gets a bit complex by the end with the silver dragon explaining the rules to Jack. What's odd is Jack's connection with Christ . . . Is Jack supposed to be Christ? . . . but then they would know nothing of the New Covenant, Jack's blood should have saved Sammy (at least it seemed like she wanted to be helped). I don't know, I'm clearly overthinking a book for children; the theology is okay, but it isn't a theology textbook.

The same can be said of the constant refrain of "listen to your heart" or follow your heart, or whatever it is his mother seems to constantly be telling Jack, or praying for Jack. The Bible would tell you NOT to follow your heart, it is the greatest of all deceivers.

Still, this is fast-paced, a fun read, and I'm excited to see how it ends.

[Brannon Billstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the first book in this series had me questioning whether or not it was appropriate to share with my eight year old, the very beginning of this second book solidified that it was not yet going to be a good fit. There were deaths that I wasn’t sure were essential for the development of the story and its themes. Perhaps it’s just a personal opinion but the death of characters that the authors take time to develop (even if slightly) seems like something that should be included only as a means for driving home powerful truths rather than as casual side stories.

Even still, I enjoyed this second book as a quick read for myself. I found myself eager to find out how the story would unfold as there were some plot twists that I didn’t anticipate. However, while I personally appreciated the attempt at communicating eternal truths throughout the story, it didn’t strike me as being done in a particularly effective way. Perhaps, though, the intended audience would experience the themes and truths differently.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars.

🐉 vibes:
- Book 2 in series
- Christian
- Middle grade
- fantasy

🐉 My thoughts:
This review is kind of just all the quick info on why this book wasn’t for me. I tried to organize my thoughts, but I found that to be really difficult because this book had a lot going on, and I don’t even know where to begin.

Overall, it felt choppy at parts and bizarre in plot elements. There were repetitive moments throughout. And overall I found it confusing at many points in the story.

I was hoping for more of an adventurous dragon story but these books so far are more of a darkness in humanity tale with this weird dragon element thrown in.

Drinking dragon milk. Injecting blood. Scalers needing to become a Silver to defeat an evil dragon king who is making dragon queens. I know there are elements of symbolism throughout the series- which I didn’t mind. However, I think maybe there was so much focus on connecting plot elements to biblical themes that the overall story suffered.

Unfortunately, I really struggled through this one.

Note- middle grade; Christian themes

[Fred Kohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given these books by my 14 year old grandson, who is more the target audience for this series than his 67 year old grandfather. It’s fine though; since we’ve both read these books now we have something more to talk about. The action is more intense in this sequel than in The Boy Who Fell from the Stars (the first book in the series). To be honest, I think Ted Dekker does a better job in these young people books than he does in his adult fiction. This book is more religious in tone than the first book, but nevertheless not too in your face, at least not for me. I will certainly read the last book in the series, but that will probably be it for me as far as Ted Dekker is concerned, both for his juvenile fiction and adult fiction.

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series by Ted and Rachelle Dekker (Journey to the Silver Towers book 2 in the And They Found Dragons series). Even though it's written by a father/daughter duo, the story is connected, the characters are really well created and I love the world building that these authors have created.

Humans have been living on a spaceship since earth had been uninhabitable for years now. But problems arise and they need to return to earth to survive, unfortunately dragons roam the earth now and their toxic fumes will cause everyone to die...except Jack, a young boy who seems to be immune.

A really gripping middle grade Christian series that is sure to delight readers of all ages. If you love dragons and adventure, this series is for you.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second instalment in this series!
In this book Jack and his friends have come to Earth on a mission to kill the dragon queens to save their families on the ARC (a spaceship of the last remaining humans). But things on Earth are not as they appeared to be from the stars! Who can Jack trust? How will they accomplish their mission?
My daughter enjoyed this read aloud book! She enjoyed the action and adventure and of course the dragons (she dressed up as a dragon for Halloween)! There are quite a few twists thrown into this one too!
We are excited to start the final book in the series and find out what happens, as it left us at a bit of a cliff hanger!

[Caitlin Nikolai · Rating 4 out of 5]

The spiritual warfare was made especially clear in this book. In that regard, it is excellent. I'm really enjoying the series. (As an adult. I started to read the first book to my son then realized he was way too young. He'll love it when it's older.)

However, since this is a Christian book for middle schoolers, I did want to add the disclaimer that the authors allowed a non-Christian character to misuse the Name of the Lord. I know some parents will shrug it off and some will be offended, so this is just me stating facts for you to do with as you will.

Also, have book 3 ready when you finish this book!

[Noelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Nonsense. Strength comes in many forms….Yes your physical strength is challenged, but your heart will give you all the strength you need.”

Titles: And They Found Dragons
The Boy Who Fell From The Stars (Book 1)
Journey To The Silver Towers (Book 2)
Rise Of The Light Bringer (Book 3)
Authors: Ted and Rachelle Dekker

⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a fantasy middle reader series.

The earth has been overtaken by dragons and the air is poison to humans. There is a select group of humans who survived are orbiting the earth. Dragons have inexplicably rises from the earths ashes. The leaders in the spaceship have found that kids have a stronger immunity to the poison. So a group of them starts training to return and fight the dragons, kill their queen and hopefully the poison will dissolve when the dragons are gone.

Jack is 12 and the most unlikely candidate for the trip back to earth but now the future of their survival is in his hands. Only when they get to earth the dragons are not what they thought they were they will have to find the true way to defeat these enemies.

This was an ok series. I think young readers who like fantasy and adventure will enjoy this.

[ABookAddictHere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time , Jack is now on the Earth and running into now scalers who fear the dragons. But Jack remembers his mother’s lessons and love knows no fear. He refuses to drink the milk of dragon beyond the first time since it causes him to lose his own mind and hear just another voice in his head. But his friend, Sammie takes to the milk and despite his blood that is untouched, her eyes start to milk over . And then when all hope seems lost he finds a silver dragon who is love and peace just like Jesus.

[Lanaya Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better than the first in the series. I've been reading it with my 11-year-old, and we both felt the first was a bit slow. This book FINALLY gets to the dragons! There were lots of twists and conflicts. It's simply written (perfect for preteen readers), but contains some events that I think need content warnings  for young readers: death, (3 characters die!) substance use, and a sort of "evil force". This book is great for Lucy but would not be enjoyed by more sensitive preteens. 

[Christy Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took a twist I wasn’t expecting.
It was less intense than the first book, which was nice, but I have a feeling the next will pick that up again.
I like how dragons are being handled in this so far, but I think the 12 year old characters are a little too smart and emotionally mature.
Theology is nicely folded into this book, and I was frustrated in the right spots and invested in the characters and the story.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of the three, about "And They Found Dragons". This is for kids 5th grade and up. But as an adult, I still like some quick fiction books to read now and then. If you like to read books about dragons...then this would be a good series. It continues with Jack, where it left off from the first book. Will he be able to figure out how to save them? Will he have everything ready for when the people from the Ark come back to Earth? Read and see...

[Moriah Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the book got me hooked to it. Usually it takes a while for me to get hooked to a book. I didn’t want to set it down until I finished it. I loved the new characters. The Scalers seemed like someone to to trust, but then The Scalers were trusting someone that they should not be trusting. I. Love. It! 💖💞💗💙

[♡Haphazardly-E♡ (Elm's Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needed a quick read to get me out a slump

Good book. It feels like it's meant for an older audience because it even freaked me out a tiny bit, and books almost never freak me out anymore. I suggest reading these books yourself before handing them to a kid that you know to know if they can handle it.

||anyways, i wish the scalers weren't "bad" because the whole concept is pretty cool!||

[Chesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continues to be an interesting story with surprising plot points. More intense than the first book. People die. The themes of love versus fear and light versus darkness are wonderful, but also sometimes overly mystical—can feel a little trippy. I think it would make a good read aloud to discuss the spiritual ideas presented (what does it mean and what does it not mean? True or not true?).