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Dragons in Our Midst #4
Tears of a Dragon
Victory in the Circles of Seven came at a great cost to Billy Bannister and Bonnie Silver. A vicious evil was unleashed on the earth that only the dragons can defeat. With Billy’s father, the great Clefspeare, missing, Billy and Bonnie must lead the dragons into war against the Watchers—demonic beings as old as the earth itself. Masters at the art of deception, the Watchers use the deadliest of weapons against mankind. A remnant of wise humans, the friends of the dragons, unite in the struggle against the Watchers. With heart-stopping action, the final battle between dragons and their enemies comes to a climax. But in order to win the war, at least one of the dragons must die.
As the story ends, Billy and Bonnie are faced with the greatest decision of their lives. Will they keep the dragon traits that have cost them so much danger and heartache, or will they turn to normal human life and end the slayers’ lust for their blood forever.
As the story ends, Billy and Bonnie are faced with the greatest decision of their lives. Will they keep the dragon traits that have cost them so much danger and heartache, or will they turn to normal human life and end the slayers’ lust for their blood forever.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2005
39 people are currently reading
1534 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Davis
98 books987 followersBryan Davis is the author several speculative-fiction series, including Dragons in Our Midst, Oracles of Fire, Children of the Bard, Dragons of Camelot, The Reapers Trilogy, The Time Echoes Trilogy, Tales of Starlight, Dragons of Starlight, the Oculus Gate, Not So Famous Dog Tales, Astral Alliance, and Wanted: Superheroes.
Bryan and his wife, Susie, have homeschooled their four girls and three boys.
Bryan was born in 1958 and grew up in the eastern U.S. From the time he taught himself how to read before school age, through his seminary years and beyond, he has demonstrated a passion for the written word, reading and writing in many disciplines and genres, including fantasy, theology, fiction, devotionals, poetry, and humor.
Bryan and his wife, Susie, have homeschooled their four girls and three boys.
Bryan was born in 1958 and grew up in the eastern U.S. From the time he taught himself how to read before school age, through his seminary years and beyond, he has demonstrated a passion for the written word, reading and writing in many disciplines and genres, including fantasy, theology, fiction, devotionals, poetry, and humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
October 31, 2014
Now that the Watchers are free, Billy and his friends embark on the final showdown. Billy and Bonnie go after Clefsphere, journeying into a new world that is more familiar than they suspected, while everyone else organizes the remaining dragons for war. Morgan takes a new hostim. The Watchers battle with strength and treachery.
Really, it's impossible to know how to summarize the book without giving everything away. In fact, if you read the Acknowledgements section at the beginning, you've read the whole book (I wish I was joking). Davis now reveals what felt like a really sexist angle to the whole plot: apparently girls are supposed to fight by supporting their men, not by doing anything themselves. So the entire book is about men fighting and their women supporting them. Excalibur's halo protection only works on girls. Why? Because men can take care of themselves. Despite the attempt to portray it as a weapon of faith, Davis fails utterly because what it comes down to in the end is a question of lineage (did you have the right father?) and gender (females get vastly more perks).
And if you think I'm blowing this out of proportion, read until you hit the bit where they're talking---very seriously---about how a woman's presence can affect a man's "masculine energy." That word popped up about twenty times in two and a half pages. I was laughing so hard I cried. It reads like a cheap romance novel.
Oh, and we can't forget the laser beams from the eyes healing move, or the sparkly force fields. Or how every main character manages to die at least once in the course of the series and subsequently gets healed with no aftereffects. Death means nothing in these books. Bonnie dies---whoops, bring her back. Billy dies---whoops, can't get rid of him. Billy's mom dies---nope, not her either. Billy's dad dies about three times---what, you thought that would kill him? Devin dies multiple times---but we couldn't be bothered to think up a new villain. Merlin dies several times---don't worry, his poetry will continue to torment the rest of us. Merlin's wife and Prof's wife die---but we think that's too tragic, so we'll give them another chance. All the dragons died---but we really, really need a few for the last battle scene, so we'll bring them all back. Twice. Prof dies---what, someone who stayed dead? But he lingers as a ghost long enough to give several pages of encouragement before vanishing.
See what I mean? And even with that list I think I missed a few. And that's why I can't take these books seriously. If death means nothing, life means nothing. The struggle to live is reduced to whistling for a healer whenever someone keels over, or just waiting for an impossible resurrection.
On another level, the theology was really stretching on a lot of points, and totally screwed up on the rest. Apparently you can only be saved if you're human---what Jesus did only applies to actual humans. Dragons need not apply unless they plan to get turned into people (which they all do, pretty much). The spirits of dead people can possess the living (but in a "good" way! Really! And I'm sure it's "part of God's plan" so it's okay). Faith's only role in the battle against evil is to trust God will take care of it and go do your own thing. Billy's sacrifice was meant to echo Christ, but the way it played out really made me think Billy was meant to take Christ's place instead: first you get saved by Billy, then you can get saved by Christ. It would have made a lot more sense to promote Christ as the only Savior, but putting Billy so literally in His shoes had the opposite effect than intended.
This series started out amusing enough, and I had hoped it would find some good points as Davis grew more experienced. The prose has improved in this volume over the first. I find it hard to spot anything more. Characters are still flat and act very much the way they do the first time you met them. It's ridiculously easy to see where the plot is going. And the good guys get so many breaks it stops being believable. I was willing to suspend disbelief for the dragons---very happy to, in fact. I am not willing to believe every single good guy who dies simply won't stay dead until the very end (can I get more than one actual casualty, please? out of at least fifty deaths?). I refuse to even recommend this for kicks. It's too frustrating and offers nothing worth the effort. Not Recommended.
Really, it's impossible to know how to summarize the book without giving everything away. In fact, if you read the Acknowledgements section at the beginning, you've read the whole book (I wish I was joking). Davis now reveals what felt like a really sexist angle to the whole plot: apparently girls are supposed to fight by supporting their men, not by doing anything themselves. So the entire book is about men fighting and their women supporting them. Excalibur's halo protection only works on girls. Why? Because men can take care of themselves. Despite the attempt to portray it as a weapon of faith, Davis fails utterly because what it comes down to in the end is a question of lineage (did you have the right father?) and gender (females get vastly more perks).
And if you think I'm blowing this out of proportion, read until you hit the bit where they're talking---very seriously---about how a woman's presence can affect a man's "masculine energy." That word popped up about twenty times in two and a half pages. I was laughing so hard I cried. It reads like a cheap romance novel.
Oh, and we can't forget the laser beams from the eyes healing move, or the sparkly force fields. Or how every main character manages to die at least once in the course of the series and subsequently gets healed with no aftereffects. Death means nothing in these books. Bonnie dies---whoops, bring her back. Billy dies---whoops, can't get rid of him. Billy's mom dies---nope, not her either. Billy's dad dies about three times---what, you thought that would kill him? Devin dies multiple times---but we couldn't be bothered to think up a new villain. Merlin dies several times---don't worry, his poetry will continue to torment the rest of us. Merlin's wife and Prof's wife die---but we think that's too tragic, so we'll give them another chance. All the dragons died---but we really, really need a few for the last battle scene, so we'll bring them all back. Twice. Prof dies---what, someone who stayed dead? But he lingers as a ghost long enough to give several pages of encouragement before vanishing.
See what I mean? And even with that list I think I missed a few. And that's why I can't take these books seriously. If death means nothing, life means nothing. The struggle to live is reduced to whistling for a healer whenever someone keels over, or just waiting for an impossible resurrection.
On another level, the theology was really stretching on a lot of points, and totally screwed up on the rest. Apparently you can only be saved if you're human---what Jesus did only applies to actual humans. Dragons need not apply unless they plan to get turned into people (which they all do, pretty much). The spirits of dead people can possess the living (but in a "good" way! Really! And I'm sure it's "part of God's plan" so it's okay). Faith's only role in the battle against evil is to trust God will take care of it and go do your own thing. Billy's sacrifice was meant to echo Christ, but the way it played out really made me think Billy was meant to take Christ's place instead: first you get saved by Billy, then you can get saved by Christ. It would have made a lot more sense to promote Christ as the only Savior, but putting Billy so literally in His shoes had the opposite effect than intended.
This series started out amusing enough, and I had hoped it would find some good points as Davis grew more experienced. The prose has improved in this volume over the first. I find it hard to spot anything more. Characters are still flat and act very much the way they do the first time you met them. It's ridiculously easy to see where the plot is going. And the good guys get so many breaks it stops being believable. I was willing to suspend disbelief for the dragons---very happy to, in fact. I am not willing to believe every single good guy who dies simply won't stay dead until the very end (can I get more than one actual casualty, please? out of at least fifty deaths?). I refuse to even recommend this for kicks. It's too frustrating and offers nothing worth the effort. Not Recommended.
June 5, 2018
This book was instrumental during my early teen years. Some of the quotes and dialog lines still stick with me.
December 24, 2018
Loved it even more on this reread. Full review to come once exams are over!
***
Full Review:
Of all four Dragons in Our Midst books, this is the one I remembered the least plot-wise. So it was rather fun to return to it and refresh my memory! This time around, I especially appreciated how Bryan Davis concluded the series. If I didn't know there were eight more books following DIOM, I would be content with this ending. It's solid and satisfying. (But there are definitely a few things that make me very glad the story continues in Oracles of Fire!)
The main characters of Tears of a Dragon have all grown and changed significantly since the first book, and it shows. Elements introduced earlier gain greater importance as resurrected dragons face off with the Watchers, and Billy and Bonnie seek to free several key characters from another dimension called Dragon's Rest. The core story thread, Billy's relationship with his father, becomes even more compelling here too. I just love these characters so much!
And that ending . . . it still brought tears to my eyes, even though I've read it a few times! 5 stars all the way!
***
Full Review:
Of all four Dragons in Our Midst books, this is the one I remembered the least plot-wise. So it was rather fun to return to it and refresh my memory! This time around, I especially appreciated how Bryan Davis concluded the series. If I didn't know there were eight more books following DIOM, I would be content with this ending. It's solid and satisfying. (But there are definitely a few things that make me very glad the story continues in Oracles of Fire!)
The main characters of Tears of a Dragon have all grown and changed significantly since the first book, and it shows. Elements introduced earlier gain greater importance as resurrected dragons face off with the Watchers, and Billy and Bonnie seek to free several key characters from another dimension called Dragon's Rest. The core story thread, Billy's relationship with his father, becomes even more compelling here too. I just love these characters so much!
And that ending . . . it still brought tears to my eyes, even though I've read it a few times! 5 stars all the way!
January 30, 2024
What a stunning finish to the Dragons in Our Midst series! This book is the perfect culmination to this epic dragon adventure. To quote Billy, “Every adventure undertaken, every prophecy spoken or sung, every dangerous road pointed to this simple truth - a battle between good and evil rages every day.” In Tears of a Dragon, the dragons and humans battle against the evil Watchers from the demon realm; but they don't just use swords and might. Billy and Bonnie go to Dragon's Rest, a "waiting room" where deceased dragons live in limbo; they can't go to heaven, but they also cannot return to earth. Billy is there as their dragon savior to free them, as well as his father. The problem is, none of the dragons can remember who they are. Meanwhile, the humans and dragons remaining on earth are battling against Morgan Le Faye and her evil band of Watchers set lose on the earth. Some of them are taken capture, and others are endangered. The final battle will test everyone and leave no one the same.
This book was so good! Billy and Bonnie's journey in Dragon's Rest was probably my favorite part. The dragons are waiting in a city where they don't know who they are; they were told in a prophecy long ago to go to a theater every day to wait for the king's return, but many of them have given up hope. When Billy returns, he tries to convince them that he is the new King Arthur, returned to save them. The symbolism of the theater, the waiting room, was amazing--the faithfulness of the small remnant of the townspeople going every day while so many lost hope was incredible.
The other part of the novel that was touching was the ending. I had tears in my eyes--not the tears of a dragon, but still--during the last few pages. It was such a strong ending to the books, but I'm glad I have Walter, Ashley, and Karen embarking on a new adventure in the next series.
This book did have its challenges. The dialogue and the stupid jokes at importune times continued and made me wince. Sometimes the cliche sayings and gender stereotypes were difficult to read. Overall, though, the message of good vs. evil was really powerful and I loved the spiritual symbolism throughout the book.
4.25/5
This book was so good! Billy and Bonnie's journey in Dragon's Rest was probably my favorite part. The dragons are waiting in a city where they don't know who they are; they were told in a prophecy long ago to go to a theater every day to wait for the king's return, but many of them have given up hope. When Billy returns, he tries to convince them that he is the new King Arthur, returned to save them. The symbolism of the theater, the waiting room, was amazing--the faithfulness of the small remnant of the townspeople going every day while so many lost hope was incredible.
The other part of the novel that was touching was the ending. I had tears in my eyes--not the tears of a dragon, but still--during the last few pages. It was such a strong ending to the books, but I'm glad I have Walter, Ashley, and Karen embarking on a new adventure in the next series.
This book did have its challenges. The dialogue and the stupid jokes at importune times continued and made me wince. Sometimes the cliche sayings and gender stereotypes were difficult to read. Overall, though, the message of good vs. evil was really powerful and I loved the spiritual symbolism throughout the book.
4.25/5
November 12, 2023
I finally finished this series but unfortunately I think the last book was only 2.5⭐. I found myself getting lost listening to the audiobook and trying to remember what point of view we were following. The first few in the series I really enjoyed but unfortunately thr last few weren't as good. But if you're a fan of Middle Grade fantasy series you might enjoy these.
November 16, 2023
4.5 stars ⭐️ A fantastic, fun and faith filled ending. I enjoy coming of age stories and this one was perfect. It definitely spoke to the sincerity and hope we find in solid friendships, supportive family. Great series for middle grade readers and adults too!
November 9, 2017
Incredibly cheesy, shallow, simplistic, unrealistic, and condescending (in a lighthearted sort of way). With flat characters, patronizing dialogue, and meaningless villains and death, nothing in this book can be taken seriously.
Medieval sorceresses and hellish demons that say things like "Enough chichat!" or "Oh, don't play dumb, my little brainiac." or "I know you're up to something," or "What do you think I am, your tour guide? I'll shake this plane so hard, you'll hear your own bones rattle!" The protagonists spout things like "Right! The black stuff nailed her!" or ramble off jokes like "the dragon slayer vacuum cleaner" at the most inappropriate times. It essentially kills any dramatic tension that could have been sustained.
Every character in this series speaks in the exact same way, with no distinction made between teenagers, middle-aged adults and centuries-old knights. Davis tries and fails to bring in some fancy-sounding words, but because his world is so shallow, his ideas fall flat. No modern teenager writes or talks like Bonnie Silver does, (I don't care how gifted or smart they are) such as when she conveniently writes a letter explaining the plot in the previous books. Davis just inserts his own explanations of what's going on into any character's mouth, with little regard for the characters themselves.
Not only that, but by book four, the kids' voices should have changed by now, yet there's no discernible growth or maturity to be seen. Davis just tells the reader things have changed. In fact, some characters seem to regress in this book, like Bonnie, who takes a backseat to the action while "Billy the king" gets to take part in the plot. All Bonnie does is pray and give encouraging looks, sitting there in her pretty dress and fake halo to be Billy's muse (offering emotional support because apparently that's all girls can do in Christian fiction, nowadays). Davis shoves hollow morality down the reader's throat by portraying the job of girls to be that of inventing useful stuff and healing people, so others can wrestle with demons -- there's no portrayal of women in this book overcoming anything more serious than their own silent fears.
Everything is far too convenient, and therefore meaningless. We've got Ashley magically spewing healing laser beams out of her eyes, and, wouldn't you know it, there's no time to explain. Walter's father Carl suddenly knows how to use the magic properties of a sword right at the last moment. Merlin warns that Devin's spirit will disintegrate without a body, but the bodiless Professor can chat for several pages without going anywhere. Billy claims he has no idea what to do, but somehow he knows that he needs to disintegrate himself with a light-saber sword, to travel through a gemstone, to an in-between Purgatory place for dragons, to make un-dead dragon souls step through a theater screen at 3 o'clock, which is a gateway to earth powered by the prayers of faithful people... Ugh. I won't go on. It's just way too ridiculous to say aloud.
Several people also die and/or are fatally wounded in this book, but there's no moments of real grief, and they're back on their feet again within the same chapter. Does Davis just kill characters whenever he feels like it? And then at other times the fighting is delayed just enough so a character can ask a question, notice something pretty, or display an emotion. Davis tries to make a big deal out of doubts about death or missing family members, but he solves every problem too easily, so it's all inconsequential. Horrifying things are going on in this book, and all the characters can do is make jokes about it.
See this good review for the only other negative critique of this book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
All the young kids reviewing this book are SO excited about the action and seemingly intricate plot full of names, but this book doesn't really tackle the hard questions head on. It just mentions them through patronizing jokes, disguised in shiny dragon scales, propped up with a cardboard backstory. I would trade this stereotypical Christianese fiction for some Narnia -- heck, even some Harry Potter -- any day.
Medieval sorceresses and hellish demons that say things like "Enough chichat!" or "Oh, don't play dumb, my little brainiac." or "I know you're up to something," or "What do you think I am, your tour guide? I'll shake this plane so hard, you'll hear your own bones rattle!" The protagonists spout things like "Right! The black stuff nailed her!" or ramble off jokes like "the dragon slayer vacuum cleaner" at the most inappropriate times. It essentially kills any dramatic tension that could have been sustained.
Every character in this series speaks in the exact same way, with no distinction made between teenagers, middle-aged adults and centuries-old knights. Davis tries and fails to bring in some fancy-sounding words, but because his world is so shallow, his ideas fall flat. No modern teenager writes or talks like Bonnie Silver does, (I don't care how gifted or smart they are) such as when she conveniently writes a letter explaining the plot in the previous books. Davis just inserts his own explanations of what's going on into any character's mouth, with little regard for the characters themselves.
Not only that, but by book four, the kids' voices should have changed by now, yet there's no discernible growth or maturity to be seen. Davis just tells the reader things have changed. In fact, some characters seem to regress in this book, like Bonnie, who takes a backseat to the action while "Billy the king" gets to take part in the plot. All Bonnie does is pray and give encouraging looks, sitting there in her pretty dress and fake halo to be Billy's muse (offering emotional support because apparently that's all girls can do in Christian fiction, nowadays). Davis shoves hollow morality down the reader's throat by portraying the job of girls to be that of inventing useful stuff and healing people, so others can wrestle with demons -- there's no portrayal of women in this book overcoming anything more serious than their own silent fears.
Everything is far too convenient, and therefore meaningless. We've got Ashley magically spewing healing laser beams out of her eyes, and, wouldn't you know it, there's no time to explain. Walter's father Carl suddenly knows how to use the magic properties of a sword right at the last moment. Merlin warns that Devin's spirit will disintegrate without a body, but the bodiless Professor can chat for several pages without going anywhere. Billy claims he has no idea what to do, but somehow he knows that he needs to disintegrate himself with a light-saber sword, to travel through a gemstone, to an in-between Purgatory place for dragons, to make un-dead dragon souls step through a theater screen at 3 o'clock, which is a gateway to earth powered by the prayers of faithful people... Ugh. I won't go on. It's just way too ridiculous to say aloud.
Several people also die and/or are fatally wounded in this book, but there's no moments of real grief, and they're back on their feet again within the same chapter. Does Davis just kill characters whenever he feels like it? And then at other times the fighting is delayed just enough so a character can ask a question, notice something pretty, or display an emotion. Davis tries to make a big deal out of doubts about death or missing family members, but he solves every problem too easily, so it's all inconsequential. Horrifying things are going on in this book, and all the characters can do is make jokes about it.
See this good review for the only other negative critique of this book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
All the young kids reviewing this book are SO excited about the action and seemingly intricate plot full of names, but this book doesn't really tackle the hard questions head on. It just mentions them through patronizing jokes, disguised in shiny dragon scales, propped up with a cardboard backstory. I would trade this stereotypical Christianese fiction for some Narnia -- heck, even some Harry Potter -- any day.
October 1, 2013
Update 9.30.13: Every time I read it, I love it a little more :D
April 14, 2014
What a great ending to the series! I'm not sure who I like most, Billy, Bonnie, or Walter! Oh dear, that Walter.
That ending--whew!
That ending--whew!
October 7, 2024
I'll give this series one thing. It never fails to surprise me. Another very strange installation where Billy and Bonnie go to dragon purgatory because Billy is the dragon messiah, which honestly felt kind of heretical to me? There are also weird implications of male-female relationships-- from Bonnie being the "virgin who gave [Billy] spiritual birth" (a direct quote) to the concept of the Kings cap (if you know you know). The action was very confusing, the metaphors were bad, and there was too much Merlin in this book. I know it's beloved in some communities, and I'm not trying to shame those. I do think these need to be read with a critical eye.
May 24, 2023
4.5 stars.
Review to come (if I can get around to it)! Whew, that was an epic showdown! Although I'm so going to miss Still, despite that, A good ending to the series, and, if I'm not mistaken, the beginning of another one...
Review to come (if I can get around to it)! Whew, that was an epic showdown! Although I'm so going to miss Still, despite that, A good ending to the series, and, if I'm not mistaken, the beginning of another one...
October 12, 2016
What I thought:
Doesn’t that sound exciting? And the cover?? Oh, kill me now!! (uh, not literally! I’ve still got too many TBRs!!)
Anywho, I LOVED this book!! And actually, it’s tied with Circles of Seven for being my favorite DioM book. It’s that good!!
So, this one is a bit darker then the books prior. Like, it’s not dark, but yet it is. Does that make sense? Meaning I’d still let Trevor read it (which he *gasps* hasn’t finished the third book since he got into Harry Potter!!). But I kinda like it with the ‘darker’ feel to it.
And, as from the title, there are dragon tears (ohmygoodness! ohmygoodness! ohmygoodness!), but I think that there were more of my tears. Yep. I. Cried. IT WAS SO SAD!! BUT SO GOOD!!! WHY MUST BRYAN DAVIS TORTURE MY EMOTIONS SO?!
Ahem. Anyways, yes. I loved this. It was sad. But that’s mostly just a HUGE fangirl wail. Now I’ll give you an actual review. ;)
Characters:
Oh the characters! Why???!!!
But, yes. I loved Shiloh. She. Is. Just. Awesome. And Billy and Bonnie? They’re always great! And then you have Professor Hamilton. And my personal favorite, Walter Foley. :)
There’s not a whole lot I can say about the characters without SPOILERS, but they are completely and amazingly awesome! And they scare me half to death ALL THE TIME!!
Plot/Writing:
This had a great plot! Maybe a little slow at times, but overall it was fast paced and kept me quite engaged and never wanting to put it down!
And I adore Bryan Davis’s writing! And while it improves a decent bit more in his later books, it’s still amazing in his early on novels. <3
Problems:
As above, there maybe were one or two slow parts, but not much!
And IT MADE ME CRY!! WHY?!
Also be warned, it has a cliff-hangery ending! Well, not like life/death situation, but still!!
Other/Summary:
Anyways, yes. There’s some darker stuff, and *sniffs* some deaths/injuries, tough decisions, nervewracking chapters, fighting! All the good stuff (and sad stuff…)!
But there’s nothing bad enough for me to not want my brother to read it! And I’d once again, HIGHLY recommend this series to Christian fantasy lovers, pre-teens, YA, adults, (none of the above people). EVERYBODY! Seriously, I don’t know how I lived without these amazing friends!!
Doesn’t that sound exciting? And the cover?? Oh, kill me now!! (uh, not literally! I’ve still got too many TBRs!!)
Anywho, I LOVED this book!! And actually, it’s tied with Circles of Seven for being my favorite DioM book. It’s that good!!
So, this one is a bit darker then the books prior. Like, it’s not dark, but yet it is. Does that make sense? Meaning I’d still let Trevor read it (which he *gasps* hasn’t finished the third book since he got into Harry Potter!!). But I kinda like it with the ‘darker’ feel to it.
And, as from the title, there are dragon tears (ohmygoodness! ohmygoodness! ohmygoodness!), but I think that there were more of my tears. Yep. I. Cried. IT WAS SO SAD!! BUT SO GOOD!!! WHY MUST BRYAN DAVIS TORTURE MY EMOTIONS SO?!
Ahem. Anyways, yes. I loved this. It was sad. But that’s mostly just a HUGE fangirl wail. Now I’ll give you an actual review. ;)
Characters:
Oh the characters! Why???!!!
But, yes. I loved Shiloh. She. Is. Just. Awesome. And Billy and Bonnie? They’re always great! And then you have Professor Hamilton. And my personal favorite, Walter Foley. :)
There’s not a whole lot I can say about the characters without SPOILERS, but they are completely and amazingly awesome! And they scare me half to death ALL THE TIME!!
Plot/Writing:
This had a great plot! Maybe a little slow at times, but overall it was fast paced and kept me quite engaged and never wanting to put it down!
And I adore Bryan Davis’s writing! And while it improves a decent bit more in his later books, it’s still amazing in his early on novels. <3
Problems:
As above, there maybe were one or two slow parts, but not much!
And IT MADE ME CRY!! WHY?!
Also be warned, it has a cliff-hangery ending! Well, not like life/death situation, but still!!
Other/Summary:
Anyways, yes. There’s some darker stuff, and *sniffs* some deaths/injuries, tough decisions, nervewracking chapters, fighting! All the good stuff (and sad stuff…)!
But there’s nothing bad enough for me to not want my brother to read it! And I’d once again, HIGHLY recommend this series to Christian fantasy lovers, pre-teens, YA, adults, (none of the above people). EVERYBODY! Seriously, I don’t know how I lived without these amazing friends!!
January 20, 2019
Was there ever a more nauseating writing style? Ugh. Why did I reread these? I actually liked them when I was a teenager. Now all I can see is plot holes galore, deus ex machina at every turn, naive idiot characters whose dialogue I can barely read without gagging... I hope this will be the stupidest book I read this year, I don't think I can bear a stupider one. And Bryan Davis's attempt to push sexism as a noble order of things had me just about ready to tear up this pile of absolute, reeking shit. What's wrong with this dude?
October 16, 2016
I've finally remembered why I love these books. I love them because I've always dreamed of doing what Billy and Bonnie and Walter and the rest do. It's not an intellectual judgement, why I love these books. It's an emotional connection, a secret yearning.
And there is something very beautiful about an ending.
I've changed my mind about this book since reading it last. It's no longer my least favourite in the four Dragons in Our Midst series. I don't know why I liked it less the other times. I like it much more now.
And there is something very beautiful about an ending.
I've changed my mind about this book since reading it last. It's no longer my least favourite in the four Dragons in Our Midst series. I don't know why I liked it less the other times. I like it much more now.
May 29, 2025
I read this series in order to share in my daughter’s interests. She really enjoyed this series and it is one of her favorites, so I read it to be able to talk with her about it. It is an amazing series. The Gospel and biblical truths are woven throughout the story from beginning to end.
“William," the professor said, softly, "what now is your weapon?"...."Truth," he whispered, his voice rasping. He cleared his throat. "Truth is my sword."
...."And what now is your defense?" Colour returned to Billy's face, and his jaw tightened. His voice surged with emotion. "Faith...faith is my shield.”
“William," the professor said, softly, "what now is your weapon?"...."Truth," he whispered, his voice rasping. He cleared his throat. "Truth is my sword."
...."And what now is your defense?" Colour returned to Billy's face, and his jaw tightened. His voice surged with emotion. "Faith...faith is my shield.”
September 9, 2020
A perfect ending to a perfect series!
Tears of a Dragon was a lot shorter than I remember, but it was still cram-packed full of action and emotion. And reading the end was like watching the end of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, when the children return from Narnia. It’s a bittersweet ending that leaves you hoping for more. So many things from the first book were called back on in this last installment and that was a rather clever move. I found myself laughing and feeling like I had gone on this adventure with all of these characters as well.
Bryan Davis is a truly magical author, and no one can tell me otherwise. The ending of the book ties up all loose ends while leaving a few threads for us to follow into the next series while still giving that satisfying finale with our characters safe once more and a new and exciting adventure on the horizon.
While Circles of Seven is my favorite of this series, Tears of a Dragon comes in a close third (with Raising Dragons being my second favorite as it’s the first book in the series).
I’m so glad I took the time to reread this series. It’s left me both invigorated and inspired and I thank Mr. Davis for never giving up on these books and getting them out into the world despite the challenges.
Tears of a Dragon was a lot shorter than I remember, but it was still cram-packed full of action and emotion. And reading the end was like watching the end of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, when the children return from Narnia. It’s a bittersweet ending that leaves you hoping for more. So many things from the first book were called back on in this last installment and that was a rather clever move. I found myself laughing and feeling like I had gone on this adventure with all of these characters as well.
Bryan Davis is a truly magical author, and no one can tell me otherwise. The ending of the book ties up all loose ends while leaving a few threads for us to follow into the next series while still giving that satisfying finale with our characters safe once more and a new and exciting adventure on the horizon.
While Circles of Seven is my favorite of this series, Tears of a Dragon comes in a close third (with Raising Dragons being my second favorite as it’s the first book in the series).
I’m so glad I took the time to reread this series. It’s left me both invigorated and inspired and I thank Mr. Davis for never giving up on these books and getting them out into the world despite the challenges.
February 7, 2025
Interesting book, overall I had to be pretty attentive to follow the story line. The fantasy was engaging, but some people might find some of the fantasy aspects weird. People dying and then coming back to life, having dragon wings, spirits, different physical realms, etc.
Overall though, I loved it! There was some comedy that you might like, or not like.
CONTENT: no language, some warm embraces, but no intimate content or even kisses. What I would say is appropriate Christian romance.
Probably wait till you are 12 to read this one, although if you are around 10 and really interested, go try out the first book in this series.
Overall though, I loved it! There was some comedy that you might like, or not like.
CONTENT: no language, some warm embraces, but no intimate content or even kisses. What I would say is appropriate Christian romance.
Probably wait till you are 12 to read this one, although if you are around 10 and really interested, go try out the first book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2023
My favorite part of the book was in the rubellite which was a callback to (my favorite part in) the previous book. I'll be honest... the fighting got repetitive after a while. I think part of the problem is that there are too many characters for my poor brain to handle, so it was hard to keep track of them all in battle.
I liked the unresolved ending! I mean it IS resolved but not actually. (However Mr. Davis was clearly setting up a sequel... which I won't be reading. Too many books!)
I liked the unresolved ending! I mean it IS resolved but not actually. (However Mr. Davis was clearly setting up a sequel... which I won't be reading. Too many books!)
May 15, 2025
These books are good, and for the most part well written. I struggle with the focus on people being possessed and even good spirits sharing the body of living people. It refers back to how the passions of the nephilim were what caused the great evil of the flood. (A very “Many Waters” vibe)
As with any story that draw from the Bible I’d encourage readers to read those stores in the Bible again to remind yourself what is scripture and what is made up for this book.
As with any story that draw from the Bible I’d encourage readers to read those stores in the Bible again to remind yourself what is scripture and what is made up for this book.
July 12, 2023
Such an amazing series. I've loved each and every book. This one is no different. A great way to end the series. Definitely some bitter sweet moments but it's worth it for the action adventure and character development and part of what keeps you hooked. What book doesn't have those moments to draw on our emotions and stuff.
July 12, 2025
This series had me skeptical at first, it was just so different… but wow it gets better and better and the ending was an absolute triumph! Sacrifice and friendship, humility and strength, love and sorrow… what a wonderful story. So creative and so different from much of what’s out there. Strong story arc, full of Biblical truth and an epic King Arthur them… I’m fully satisfied.
May 19, 2022
The last book in Dragons in our Midst does not disappoint.
You will be on the edge of your seat during this thrilling conclusion.
But don't worry. There's plenty more to come in the second series set in this fictional universe. :D
You will be on the edge of your seat during this thrilling conclusion.
But don't worry. There's plenty more to come in the second series set in this fictional universe. :D
March 31, 2024
The finale of the series. It is amazing how it all ties together. The big battles with elements of values that we all try to uphold in daily life spun in a highly climatic ending that leaves the reader begging for just a big more. (Hence the oracles of fire series)
November 30, 2024
Davis has crafted an epic masterpiece! I was immediately immersed into the drama. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages. This series is so good!
Recommend to readers who enjoy Young Adult Christian Fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from a friend. I have expressed my honest view.
Recommend to readers who enjoy Young Adult Christian Fantasy.
I borrowed a copy from a friend. I have expressed my honest view.
June 13, 2025
The least memorable of this first series. Billy and Bonnie’s story is interesting, but the story for all the other characters is so slow and kinda boring. Which is weird since it’s basically all a battle.
April 29, 2019
A most satisfying end to the awesome epic!
December 30, 2019
A very fun, yet bitter sweet read. I really enjoyed it
May 8, 2020
A bit sad
Read
January 12, 2021Excellent end of a series.
August 14, 2021
Hated it don't know why I liked the first book but plot line is just flat out weird
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