The Dragon's Apprentice

Dragonology Chronicles #3

by Dugald A. Steer

When their dragon chick is kidnapped, two young dragonologists must team up with the Guardian Dragon’s apprentice - and race against time - as the fire-breathing series continues!

As the third volume in the Dragonology Chronicles begins, Daniel and Beatrice Cook, along with their parents and their dragon chick, Torcher, are getting ready to open an orphan dragon sanctuary in St. Leonard’s Forest. At last, they can live as a family! But their joy is short-lived when Dr. Drake brings ominous news: several dragon members of the Society of Dragons have been attacked, and it looks to be the work of the Dragonsbane Knights, a secret society of dragonkillers who were thought to have been eradicated centuries ago. Then poor Torcher is kidnapped, and Daniel and Beatrice, with the help of an adolescent dragon named Erasmus, set out to rescue him. Along the way, they uncover a traitor within the Secret and Ancient Society of Dragonologists itself, the greatest threat the group has faced in hundreds of years! Can Daniel and Beatrice find a way to bring down the traitor — and thwart the return of the Dragonsbane Knights?

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Middle Grade, Fiction, Novels, Young Adult, Childrens

238 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

About the author

Until recently, Dugald A. Steer worked as an author and editor at Templar Publishing. He is the writer behind Candlewick's widely acclaimed New York Times bestsellers, DRAGONOLOGY, THE DRAGONOLOGY HANDBOOK, and EGYPTOLOGY, as well as the forthcoming EGYPTOLOGY HANDBOOK. Dugald has now given up his editorial job to concentrate on writing full-time, especially more books with "ology" in the title. Dugald Steer lives near London and has far less free time than he imagined he would.

Pseudonyms:
Emily Sands
Lady Hestia Evans
Captain William Lubber
Professor Allen Gray
Sir Henry Hardcastle
Marshal Lancelot
Dr. Ernest Drake
Master Merlin

Reviews

[Jim Anderson-Greenover · Rating 5 out of 5]

With my new reading companion, the illustrious Törche, a shimmering dragon of fiery spirit, I embarked on the next chapter of my fantastical journey—Dragonology: The Apprentice. Perched atop Törche’s scaled back, we soared through realms unknown, the pages of the third book unfurling like wings in flight. Each turn of phrase and twist of plot felt like a gust of wind as we plunged deeper into the dragon lore.

Upon finishing, Törche swooped low to snatch up the 4th and final tome of this epic tale. The Kindle—my newfound magical artifact—glowed like a talisman in my hands, its gentle light revealing secrets once hidden in the dark.

Now, nestled in my lair, surrounded by the flicker of candlelight and the shadows of my dungeon setup, the adventure continues. Bedtime reading has become a sacred ritual, a portal to adventure. Let us dive further into the skies and mysteries of dragonkind. Onward!

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

This is a very nicely written series. Has a lot of excitement, imagination, creativity, storytelling etc. Has just enough characters to make the story interesting and something you look forward to picking back up again but not to many that it gets confusing. The age range online says 9 years on up. There are some harder words in the book; due to the timeframe (early 1800's) and places in the world the story occurs. Along with the various dragons names etc. But over all I think if you have an advanced reader they could read this on their own. OR this would be a nice book to read out loud to your children as well. My granddaughter is currently 4 but very interested in books etc. So am thinking of buying this series for her in a coupe of years and her mama (whom enjoys dragon books) can read it out loud to her

[Sedna Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fun and thrilling to read. I loved its pace and how it showed Torcher's growth as well as how the parents were involved. It brought more of it's world to life with showing more of the history between humans and dragons as well as touching upon the dragon slayers and how some dragons still do not like humans. I found the fight at the end interesting yet there was a level of predictability throughout this novel, which is to be expected from a children's book, but it did not detract from the enjoyment of it. So I would highly recommend it!

[Queen Bzyb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this 4 book series as audio books with my 2 daughters (12, 15) (husband also enjoyed books 1&2 as we started the series while on a family toad trip). Recommend it for those who like fantasy books along the lines of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. While not quite as in depth and sophisticated as HP, it definitely captures the imagination, is exciting and engaging - good book to be shared by the whole family in the car.

[Twyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part was when Torcher found the dragon's claw and helped Dr. Drake escape at the same time. My least favorite part was when Erasmus let Trocher run away and get stolen by a diguised basilisk.

[Jonathan Firth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very good instalment in the series. I can’t wait to see how it ends!

[Charlotte Print · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good 3rd series, very excited to read the next one

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://readfantasybooks.wordpress.com

Plot

I really enjoyed this book a lot and thought it was just as good as the previous book. Even though we don't get to encounter as many different types of dragons as the last book, what really made this book for me was Erasmus, a new dragon that is introduced. I will discuss more about him later. Anyway, the plot was pretty interesting and very adventurous. Daniel and Beatrice are finally reunited with their parents after four long years, but their time with them is short-lived. Torcher, their baby dragon, ends up getting kidnapped, supposedly by a group called the Dragonsbane Knights. It is up to Daniel and Beatrice with the help of Erasmus to get their young dragon back. Much awesomeness ensues!

The story moves at a great pace and a lot of history of the S.A.S.D is included as well as information about the mysterious Dragonsbane Knights. It was fun, entertaining, enjoyable, and there were not any dull or lagging parts. I finished this book very quickly because it was so interesting!

Characters

Erasmus is the newest dragon introduced in this book and I adore him! He is half Frost dragon and half European dragon, which is pretty neat and he has a great, if unpleasant, personality. Erasmus is one of the few dragons who actually hate humans and wants to break the contract that is between them. This is troubling since he is the Dragon's Apprentice or the next in line to become the Guardian of the Dragons. The current Guardian hopes that Erasmus will change his mind after spending some quality time with Daniel and Beatrice.

At first he is very cold and grumpy, but as he spends more time with the children his personality towards them begins to change. I loved watching him develop as a character because he changes so much throughout the book. I really hope he will be in the next one. He is by far my favorite character in this book, especially since there isn't much of Torcher.

The main characters are back including Dr. Drake, Beatrice and Daniel to name just a few. The villain on the other hand isn't revealed until the end of the book since no one can figure out who is the leader of the Dragonsbane Knights, but I was quite surprised to find out who it was. Though I did have my suspicions from the very beginning.

Overall Thoughts

This book is terrific! Fun, entertaining, completely enjoyable, and a great addition to the series. Anyone who has enjoyed the previous books will love this one! Be sure to start from the beginning of the series! I can't wait to read the final book!

My rating: 4/5 stars!

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great adventure series for young readers, full of the sorts of things I enjoyed when I was little: dragons, villains, mysterious artifacts, secret societies, booby-traps, and best of all - treasure. Let it never be said that the Dragonology Chronicles have disappointed when it comes to treasure.


The Dragon's Apprentice is probably the best so far, delving into the history surrounding the S.A.S.D (Secret and Ancient Society of Dragonology), and presenting the Reader with a new and better enemy. Daniel and Beatrice are once more agreeable heroes, though at times I found Beatrice a little prissy, and Daniel's stupidity at times was aggravating. They are intelligent children, and yet they miss some of the most obvious things! However, Erasmus - a truly entertaining new character - makes up somewhat for these shortcomings.


The adventure itself was filled with cliches, from the map scribbled all over with typically glaring "hints" about how to disarm booby-traps, right down to the end, where the villain falls into uncontrollable giggles at beholding the treasure trove. Most of the booby-traps bring back sharp memories of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and several times the characters act stupidly just to show the Reader what would happen if they solved the puzzle incorrectly. The dialogue during these parts reminded me of the games I used to play when I was little; children find it necessary to narrate everything that is happening, just in case their playfellow doesn't realize what is happening.


However, I wouldn't say that these things lessened the book's potential. Considering the age group that is targeted, I think these things will make any child squirm with glee, because it is exactly what adventuresome children like. So what it is rather cliche! There's treasure and dangerous traps, for crying out loud! The Dragon's Apprentice brought back lots of fond memories, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the time of the dragon, a young family is determined to protect young chick dragons who are orphaned from the infamous Dragonsbane Knights. This mysterious group has resurfaced and these slayers of dragons have one thing on their minds, and that is to slay any dragon left on the planet. Daniel, Beatrice and their parents move to a cottage near Dragonsbrook. The young chick they protect named Torcher is introduced to Erasmus, a dragon who must teach Torcher and the children the dragon ways. Erasmus, a very dignified and unsympathetic dragon, is not very fond of humans and Beatrice finds that his methods of teaching cause her much frustration. When Erasmus leaves Torcher alone in the woods to shed his skin he doesn't return. Beatrice believes Torcher has been taken by a basilisk, a shape shifting animal that eats anything and everything possible. These creatures were thought to be a myth. With the new threat of an old enemy, the Dragonsbane Knights, the battle begins against the Secret and Ancient Society of Dragons and the search for Torcher. The ultimate goal of the Dragonsbane Knights is to acquire a piece of treasure called the Dragons Claw, which clutches the world's largest uncut diamond and wields more power than can be imagined. It's the ultimate dragon slayer weapon. Young readers will find this tale of dragons mesmerizing. Steer has done an excellent job of creating characters with history and depth. Illustrated pictures can be found throughout the book to give readers the perfect imagery of this unique realm. The Dragon's Apprentice is the third book in the series, in the back of this tale is a list from Steer of his entire Dragonology series. Young readers can follow along and escape into the world of dragons.

[Beckie Treble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing third book to this awesome series. Loved it. Although it's aimed at children, I really don't care, it's one of those books which are great for any age... just like Harry Potter!

This book we go through Beatrice's and Daniel's adventures of finding their baby chick dragon, Torcher.

We see the introduction to new dragon apprentice Erasmus, who is very adolescent, and hates the human race. (What did we ever do?!)

Anyway, this is a really nice book, and a very quick read if you like to do nothing but read. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and at the back it says there is one last book to go. Which is really depressing. I was hoping for it to go on for at least 8/9 books. Maybe I'm just wishing a little too much.
But this is definite MUST Read for anyone who loves Dragons.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing dragon adventure set in Victorian Britain.

In this book Daniel and Beatrice have to rescue their baby dragon from a secret order of knights sworn to kill all dragons.

Dr. Drake and the rest of the adults think that this is too dangerous for a couple of kids but where were the adults when the bad guys came calling? The opposite end of the bloody country. Let this be a lesson, if you want to keep the kids safe, keep them with you.

I understand that in children's fiction we need to have the kids doing something, but can't they do it without making the adults look incompetent?

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 3rd in the Dragonology Chronicles that I began as a read aloud with the kids I had in 2008-09. It was fun to see how the dragonolgist are still working to keep dragons and their hoardes safe from greedy humans. Beatrice and Daniel even get to meet Queen Victoria in this one. The long time in between books in the series might make it one worth waiting to read until you can read the whole series through. Real fans of dragons will want to do that to learn about the different types and lore that accompanies them. That is pretty interesting - it would make a fun inquiry.

[Denae Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. Has basic, hard working characters who mostly all mean well. This book is easy to give to younger, more innocent readers, but I wouldn't give it to struggling readers (unless they really enjoy dragons). There are too many unfamiliar terms and creatures, and it is set 100 years ago with French phrases and other difficult-to-read words.
Personally, I like dragons in a different world than ours, but this book does well giving dragons a place and history and conflict.
Oh, the book isn't witty or very funny, which is just too bad. I'm not either, but my favorite books are.

[Christine Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel and Beatrice have their hands full in this adorable third volume of The Dragonology Chronicles. Their precious Torcher, who they watched hatch and have raised and tutored, has been kidnapped. Daniel and Beatrice are very courages and are determined to save Torcher in spite of the dangerous Dragonsbane threat.
I am very impressed with Dugald A. Steer's ability to keep these story's interesting and exciting.

[Kitty G Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable continuation to the series with a lot of mystery and adventure to enthrall. The plot thixkens with the introduction of the Dragonsbane and the lead characters are forced to be brave abd resourceful as always in their pursuits and studies of dragons. Recommended!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good additon to the Dragonology Chronicles. Maybe Mr. Crook is finally out of the picture. I hope that there will be more books in the series.

[Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was the first one of the Drgonology books that I read. I had just picked it out because I guess that it was, well, I had to pick up books quick, so I picked that up.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was slow getting into but once I got into it I really enjoyed it, I love the concept of a society dedicated to keeping Dragons a secret and perserving them.

[Hannah Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a lot of twists that really made this portion of the series interesting and drew me into reading this book til the end! :D

[Tomsen70 · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a awsome book i am still not done it but it is awsome

[Ella Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good bedtime read for my son, who at 4 is dragon mad.

[Josiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it!